NRL 2024: Stephen Crichton picks Brian To’o, Spencer Leniu as groomsmen

Two current Blues and former Penrith teammates will stand alongside Stephen Crichton on his wedding day. Intriguingly, one Panthers star missed out.

Stephen Crichton has picked former Panthers teammate Brian To’o as the best man for his wedding. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Standing side-by-side, in formation, all eyes on them and the nerves flowing; State of Origin I also acts as a dress rehearsal for a day on a different kind of big stage.

It was only last October when Stephen Crichton, Spencer Leniu and Brian To’o went their separate rugby league ways after an emotional grand final triumph with Penrith.

Now, they’re back in uniform with NSW.

But later this year, the same trio, dressed this time in tuxedos, will stand atop the aisle as Crichton exchanges his wedding vows with high school sweetheart Leone Lauafia.

Crichton proposed with his engagement ring not long after winning his premiership ring, and, just weeks out from the game I team being named, had his own serious selection dilemma.

Stephen Crichton has picked former Panthers teammate Brian To’o as the best man for his wedding. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Crichton asked To’o to be his best man, while Leniu will be a groomsman for his and Lauafia’s wedding. Notably, former teammate Jarome Luai got squeezed out. But while the three-time premiership-winner had an abundance of options, the choice of both To’o and Leniu was one of the easiest decisions he has had to make.

“They have been there ever since the start of my footy career and they are my mates off the field,” Crichton said of To’o and Leniu.

“It’s been them from the start, they’re always one call away.”

Sunia Turuva, Stephen Crichton and Brian To'o of the Panthers with their partners at the 2023 Dally M Awards night. Picture: Getty Images

While Crichton shared how special it was that the pair were a part of his bridal party, the Blues centre said it was equally important to be back on the field with his “brothers.”

“As long as I got an invite to the wedding I was happy,” To’o joked.

“To be the best man, it’s something I take a lot of pride in and I can’t wait to see my bro get married and live out his dream with the girl he loves.”

To’o famously got engaged after the 2021 grand final and married his partner, Crichton’s cousin, Moesha, with his bridal party also including both the soon to be groom and Leniu.

For Roosters enforcer Leniu, Crichton’s nuptials mark another significant milestone for the pair’s friendship.

They debuted for the Panthers together, winning three premierships and now starring in the Origin arena.

Crichton proposing to his partner Leone Lauafiaha. Picture: Instagram

“We have done so much together, made so many great memories together, ridden the highest of highs, lowest of lows, that’s what makes our relationship so special and unbreakable,” Leniu said.

Leniu couldn’t hide his excitement when talking about the opportunity to share this special moment with people he considers family.

“I’m excited to celebrate him and his love for my sister as well,” Leniu said.

“I can’t wait.”

The trio will also be accompanied in the bridal party by Crichton’s younger brother Emmanuel, while a flock of his NRL teammates are also expected to be invited to the wedding.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Stephen Crichton picks Brian To’o, Spencer Leniu as groomsmen