We often question the commitment to the game of some players, and justifiably so at times, but there is no chance of levelling any such criticism at Canterbury’s latest signing, outgoing Penrith star Stephen Crichton.
He has just completed a marathon effort since helping the Panthers to their grand-final victory over the Eels in 2022.
Just look at his punishing schedule that commenced in mid-October last year:
• Six games at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, as Toa Samoa made it all the way to the decider;
• The World Club Challenge match-up against St Helens, lost by the Panthers in extra time;
• 24 games for the Panthers across the 2023 season, including three finals matches, as they won their third consecutive title;
• Three games for NSW in the 2023 State of Origin series; and
• Two games for Samoa in the 2023 Pacific Championship.
That is a total of 36 games and he would have played every minute of every game.
Probably the only other player to go close to Crichton’s marathon effort is fellow Panther and Samoan teammate Brian To’o.
(Photo by Izhar Khan/Getty Images)
That is some effort from Critter, and a testament to not only his fitness and resilience but also his love of the game and his rapid emergence as a superstar over the last couple of years.
Over the last 12 months, Crichton has established himself as arguably the number one centre in the game and has also shown that he is a more than handy fullback when given the opportunity, no doubt something that was very attractive to the management at Belmore.
He is also developing into a deadly goal kicker, and is a big game specialist, scoring a try in each of the last four grand-finals.
He will be one of the first players picked when Origin 2024 comes around, regardless of the fitness of the likes of former NSW favourites Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell. Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga would just love to see him make himself available for Australia at some stage.
It is hard to find a fault in Crichton’s game. He plays both sides of the field with aplomb, is a powerful runner, has great footwork, works well with support players, has excellent aerial skills, and there would be very few players capable of running him down if he gets into the clear.
On top of that, he is one of the best defenders in the game and looks to be a potential leader at the Bulldogs.
It has been quite a year for Crichton, and a busy one at that, and I cannot recall an NRL player racking up that many games in a twelve-month period in recent times.
He looks to be the Dogs’ best signing since Brett Morris way back in 2015, and he should play a big part in dragging the team up the premiership ladder.
Panthers
Roar Rookie
On better news for the Panthers. Harrison Hassett goes into the top 30 squad for 2024. The junior rep second rower , was thought to have signed to go to the Dolphins when Katoa signed . Yet decided to stay at Penrith. He’s a very good hard running player, very much in the mould of Liam Martin . Here’s hoping that he proves to be just as good!
blacktown leagues
Roar Rookie
How many have played 36 games though.I know what you're saying, in the same period Murray played 31 games with a few off the bench in origin and the world cup .Granted, Murrays in a more demanding position but Crichton played an extra 8-10 hours on the field! I think that's the point being made here. Extraordinary
Ellie
Roar Rookie
Possibly the only thing that would look better than Mr Crichton in a maroon jersey would be Mr Crichton wearing no jersey at all :silly: :laughing:
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
In answer to the question I'd say plenty of players have put in a bigger effort than Critter because they play in more demanding positions and roles. I look at someone like Cam Murray and it's a marvel how much a player like him gets through.
Panthers
Roar Rookie
You say that , but I’m not feeling it. :laughing:
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Many have been promised the fullback position at the Bulldogs. From when he’s played there before, it’s never been his best position.
Muzz Manyana
Roar Rookie
He's one of the games best.
Tony Dargon
Roar Guru
Surely he'll be fullback?
Nat
Roar Guru
Isn’t this the guy who got chased down by DCE? :silly: Agree he has come on so far this season. Always a talent but his maturity has caught up with him. I remember seeing him in the trials a few years ago and the similarities to Izzy Falou. Not sure how he will fit in at the Dogs. Center is the most transferable position but they seem to be putting a lot of faith in needles finding his pre ‘holiday’ break. Critta and Fox left edge has headlines waiting to be written.
Tony Dargon
Roar Guru
I tend to agree with you. Most players have seemed to struggle when they leave the Panthers' system
Cwizzle
Roar Rookie
Absolutely love Critta. He has been a star for us, turning the game by his skills. Think he will find life at the Dogs quite different though…
Tony Dargon
Roar Guru
You're right. He seems to be a very nice guy, both on and off the field. As for QLD :thumbdown: :silly:
Tony Dargon
Roar Guru
You wonder how much more improvement is in him, and whether he can achieve it at his new club, and undoubted new role.
Tony Dargon
Roar Guru
Let's hope his career doesn't go backwards at Belmore
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Some of the stuff he did in the GF was so good..and the GF before that..and before that. The mother of NRL big moments right now.. given Nathan’s the daddy.
Albo
Roar Rookie
As a Panthers fan, I was sorry to see him go. In his early years he was full of talent but prone to a few errors or trying to overplay his hand. However , in the past two seasons he has improved markedly with all that big match experience. His 4 tries in 4 consecutive Grand Finals and in a World Cup final demonstrates his quality. He reads the game well ( hence the intercepts) , has great hands, is a strong runner , good in the air, and great defender. The Panthers loss will be the Dogs big gain.
RLFan
Roar Rookie
The Morris Brothers were shining lights at the Canterbury Club, and we have not had a pairing like them since as they excelled in both attack and defence. Our defence has been so un bulldog like, it must improve for any chance of success, and I am looking forward to seeing it improve with Chrichton's arrival. I was very pleased when he was signed as I saw him from his early days in NRL as a potential champion because of his athleticism, and he has since matured in all facets of the game. A good signing.
Stewy76
Roar Rookie
Crichton is an athletic freak. I also appreciate the way he plays the game and displays good sportsmanship too. Shame his parents didn't move to Qld when they came from Samoa, he would really look good in a maroon jersey.