Departing Panthers star Stephen Crichton reveals Bulldogs goal on NRL bucket list

In his final game for Penrith before joining Canterbury next season, Stephen Crichton has revealed the news Bulldogs fans have been waiting for.

In just over four years, Panthers star Stephen Crichton has played in three grand finals, secured two premiership rings, a World Cup final and six NSW Origin jerseys.

The 23-year-old has achieved more in 100 games than some of the greatest players have managed in 10 years.

In his final game for Penrith before joining Canterbury next season, Crichton has declared his natural next step is to become a first grade captain.

In what shapes as music to the ears of Bulldogs supporters who have witnessed the club’s leadership void, Crichton has spoken of his desire to use his rapid rise to the pinnacle of rugby league as a chance to develop as a leader and pass on his wealth of big-game experience.

“I wouldn’t say no to it (becoming a captain),’’ said Crichton, who plays his 100th NRL game on Sunday night.

“I definitely want to be one of those players who is a leader that leads the boys in the right direction.

Stephen Crichton believes his natural next step is to become a first grade captain at canterbury. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“When I first came in (to the NRL in 2019), I was just happy to be here.

“Now to be around the biggest and best players in the NRL, they‘re the ones making me better.

“I’m excited to take that with me (to Canterbury).

“The credit goes to my teammates and the leader they’re turning me into.

“Guys like (Isaah) Yeo, Fish (James Fisher-Harris), Mo (Moses Leota), all those older heads at our club, have pulled us younger boys up and have made us accountable and treat us like leaders as well.

“There’s been the rep teams too where you always take away learnings from the best players in the game.

“If I can use that to help some of the younger boys going forward (at Canterbury), I will be doing that. I want to be able to do that.”

Dubbed the “intercept king” ever since his grand final-winning play against South Sydney in the 2021 decider, Crichton said his preparation is key to making the big plays in the big games.

“It’s not just about switching on before the game, it’s the whole week leading up to it,’’ Crichton said.

“I’m preparing my mind and preparing my body.

“It also definitely comes down to our coaching staff and teaching us, because if it doesn’t come off at training, it won’t come off on the big stage.’’

Originally published as Departing Panthers star Stephen Crichton reveals Bulldogs goal on NRL bucket list