Stephen Crichton’s October is already the stuff dreams are made of, but the Penrith star insists he can top of it off with a historic Samoan victory in the Pacific Championships.
The 23-year-old strike centre played a key role in the Panthers’ stunning 26-24 win over Brisbane in the NRL grand final, and got engaged to his partner Leone days later.
Crichton and several of his Panthers teammates will line up for Samoa against Australia in the opening clash of the Pacific Championships in Townsville on Saturday in a World Cup final rematch.
Australia won 30-10 in last year’s final and have not lost to Samoa in four Tests over the past 23 years.
The pain of last year’s World Cup loss, on the first occasion Samoa had made it that far in the tournament, burns Crichton.
“It does (hurt) but we will see what happens this time around. We can give the Pacific Championships a real crack with the team we have right now,” Crichton told AAP.
“There is a lot of talent in our squad so it will come down to how we prepare and suit up for the games.
“What we did last year to make history was still very special.
“Samoa is my country. It is where I was born and bred. It is one dot on the map that no-one really knows so it was cool to see all the Samoa fans out and about after what we achieved at the World Cup.”
Crichton said it was “definitely the long-term goal” to win the World Cup in 2026 with Samoa but first on his agenda was continuing his rapport with Panthers centre partner Izack Tago for Samoa against Australia.
Having signed to join Canterbury next year, Crichton is hoping for three Tests to savour with Tago. Samoa plays New Zealand in a fortnight in the Pacific Cup round robin and will hope to qualify for the final in Hamilton on November 4.
Penrith celebrate a third consecutive NRL premiership in the change rooms. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
“It is heaps special to play with Izack. It will be the last time we do for a while,” Crichton said.
“There is a strong bond between us. I am definitely going to miss him.”
Samoa coach Ben Gardiner, also an assistant to Ivan Cleary at the Panthers, is just happy to have Crichton in his team.
“Stephen is elite and one of the best players in the world at the moment,” Gardiner told AAP.
“Everyone sees what happens on the field but it is the incredible work he does in the background … and he does it not because he has to but because he wants to.
“He is constantly pushing himself against himself and will continue to get better, which is scary.”
The Barry
Roar Guru
No one cares who or what you respect tro.ll…
Maddi Davis
Roar Rookie
Top bloke Bazza! No wonder your sport is so respected
Bill
Roar Rookie
Honest question, Maddi and not trying to have a dig, just curious how clear you think these situations are. I will assume youre a Caucasian Australian. Lets say hypothetically, you’re married (you may well be) to another Caucasian Australian and you and your partner have a child but very soon move to say Bali, Indonesia which also has many other Caucasian Australians amongst many other nationalities and cultures. Your child is raised from an early age into his/her early 20s there. Have you raised an Australian or an Indonesian? What identity would they associate with in a foreign land which youd imagine they grow to love but around so many fellow Aussies? Should your child still be eligble to represent Bali (or Indonesia) in junior sports if their talent allows? What if theyve been representing the Bali Blues since a young age, grew up with the other Bali Blues players. Would your child feel like a Bali Blue into young adulthood? BUt your child has also been raised as an Aussie… just in a foreign land? As a parent – not as a punter or administrator – who would you say your child should grow up to represent? Australia or Indonesia?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Who are you to talk about respect…? Your entire existence on this site is about being as disrespectful as you possibly can This article is about a Samoan born in Samoa choosing to represent Samoa, yet you’re still banging on about “Aussies, kiwis and Englishmen”. So not only are you disrespectful, you’re as thick as sht…
Maddi Davis
Roar Rookie
So more Aussies, Kiwis and Northern Englishmen? Yea that will give "international" Rugby League more respect Barry
Maddi Davis
Roar Rookie
Na no frustration Amsterdam Jim. There is nothing huge about the "Samoan " Rugby League
The Barry
Roar Guru
What a soft comeback… do you expect the red carpet rolled out for you given your behaviour?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Hahaha… too excited to rip into rugby league to even bother reading It should be embarrassing for you, but you don’t seem to have any shame so who knows
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think this is great news and vindication for the international and origin eligibility laws Respect everyone’s choices but I’d love to see more players choosing ‘tier 2’ nations
Maddi Davis
Roar Rookie
Why are Rugby League fans such nice pleasant people? No wonder new fans are lining up to get involved in your sport
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Madeline Davis You really are a weak gutted dog.
mushi
Roar Guru
I’m impressed by Maddi. Some how can bang out actual words for a post whilst clearly not being able to read.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Hoisted by your ignorance again, eh Eric. :laughing:
JimCam73
Roar Rookie
Letting a bit frustration out? Toa Samoa are as Samoan as can be - check out their Instagram handle. Huge.
blacktown leagues
Roar Rookie
Great reply you're a genius Go away
Maddi Davis
Roar Rookie
You mean there is a "Samoan" player born in Samoa? Well he definitely should play for Australia then
blacktown leagues
Roar Rookie
Actually, born in Samoa. Is that all you got.
Maddi Davis
Roar Rookie
He's Australian born. That seems to be prerequisite for all "international" Rugby League teams