NRL contract news: Penrith forced to shell out big bucks to keep star centre Stephen Crichton

Penrith will have to stump up serious money to keep star centre Stephen Crichton, who has been compared to Israel Folau at the same age.

Stephen Crichton is chasing a big pay rise after a breakout season. Picture: AAP

The management of Panthers and NSW star Stephen Crichton has lodged an official counter offer with Penrith – and the club will need to stump up serious money to keep him.

Crichton, 19, and Penrith officials are refusing to divulge the contract value but recruitment managers at rival NRL clubs have valued him at $750,000 a season.

His three-year contract extension would then be worth a cool $2.25m.

It is expected Crichton’s value would increase over each year of the deal, which would run through 2022, 2023 and 2024. It’s now up to Penrith to find the money.

Stephen Crichton was a star performer for the Panthers in 2020. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The Daily Telegraph revealed in late July that Crichton was poised to accept a three-year deal worth $500,000 a season.

Since then Crichton has developed into a true star after inspiring Penrith’s charge into the NRL grand final and then being named in an extended NSW State of Origin squad.

His price tag has jumped around $250,000-a-year over the past four months since the original offer was tabled.

One Sydney-based recruitment manager claimed Crichton “was every bit as good as Israel Folau at the same age – maybe even more athletic”.

It had been speculated that Canterbury and Sydney Roosters were keen on Crichton but neither club has yet to open formal discussions.

Crichton has strong preference to stay at Penrith provided his financial requirements are met.

Stephen Crichton is on the radar of several clubs but his preference is to stay at Penrith. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

He has come through the club’s junior pathways system with multiple players who are now teammates in the Panthers’ NRL side.

Penrith are aware they will need to shell out some serious coin to retain the rising star.

The Panthers — with a high-profile roster — are shifting around their tight salary cap to ensure Crichton is a long-term Panther.

Rival clubs would pounce with vigour should Penrith show any sign they are struggling to find the necessary cash.

The Daily Telegraph reached out to Crichton’s manager, Sam Ayoub who, despite being reluctant to comment publicly during complex negotiations, did say: “Stephen is a wonderful kid. Since State of Origin, we have had time to sit down and catch up with him and his family.

“We intend to catch up with them again in the not-too-distant future. We have to be conscious of ensuring we do the right thing by him and his family.

Stephen Crichton is still under contract at Penrith for 2021. Picture: Brett Costello

“He is genuinely a very humble, quiet kid. He goes out playing basketball and enjoys that just as much as his rugby league. He is an athletic kid, he just leaves being outdoors.”

Crichton is still under contract for 2021, albeit a modest deal. It was signed when he was a kid coming through the system with enormous promise. Penrith may elect to top-up Crichton’s contract for next season if there is still some space to move in their salary cap.

While aware of his contract value, friends say Crichton isn’t driven by money. When his next three-year deal expires, Crichton will only be 23.

Crichton’s contract delay can be partially attributed to his decision to switch management team – from Mark Stewart to Ayoub — at the end of October.

Earlier this year, Panthers legend and club deputy chairman Greg Alexander described Crichton as an “exceptional and unique talent”.

And Immortal, Andrew Johns, who also previously spoke of Crichton, said: “What an athlete this young man is — a special talent.”