Stephen Crichton, a Samoan rugby league professional, serves as a center for the NRL’s Penrith Panthers and represents Samoa on the international stage. He boasts back-to-back NRL Grand Final victories with the Panthers in 2021 and 2022, and he has also been part of the NSW Blues State of Origin team.
Bio/Wiki
Age-23years
Height- 1.93 m
Weight- 99 kg
Born- 22 September 2000
Birthplace- Apia, Samoa
Siblings- Christian Crichton
Spouse- Leone K Lauafia
Profession- Rugby league footballer
Nationality- Samoan
Date joined- 2019 (Penrith Panthers)
Career
In 2019
Crichton’s journey in the top-flight began in the 2019 NRL season when he made his debut for the Penrith Panthers against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in round 21. The game concluded with a thrilling 26–20 victory for Penrith at Panthers Stadium.
In 2020
In round 8 of the 2020 NRL season, Crichton showcased his scoring prowess by netting two tries as Penrith secured a 19–12 win over the Wests Tigers at Bankwest Stadium.
Crichton had a breakout season in 2020, featuring in 22 games and scoring an impressive 17 tries, contributing significantly to Penrith’s minor premiership victory. He also played in the 2020 NRL Grand Final, scoring a crucial try in the second half, although Penrith narrowly lost to Melbourne 26–20.
His outstanding individual performance earned him the title of “Centre of the Year” at the 2020 Dally M Awards, and he earned a place in the New South Wales State of Origin 27-man squad, although he did not play in the series.
In 2021
In round 5 of the 2021 NRL season, Crichton faced a fine of $1350 from the NRL for an incident involving Canberra Raiders player Joseph Tapine during a celebratory moment.
Crichton played an instrumental role for Penrith throughout the 2021 NRL season, culminating in their grand final victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He sealed the match with a pivotal try, intercepting a pass from Cody Walker, as Penrith triumphed 14–12.
However, in October, Crichton faced a proposed $4000 fine from the NRL for alleged disrespectful behavior toward the Provan-Summons Trophy, a moment captured on social media. Despite no damage to the trophy, the NRL accused Crichton and teammate Nathan Cleary of showing disrespect towards the individuals depicted on the trophy.
In 2022
In round 7 of the 2022 NRL season, Crichton displayed his scoring prowess once again by securing a hat-trick in Penrith’s convincing 36-6 victory over Canberra.
Throughout the year, Crichton played 23 games for Penrith, contributing significantly to their 2022 NRL Grand Final win against Parramatta, which concluded with a score of 28-12 in Penrith’s favor.
Crichton’s impressive form led to his selection in the Samoa squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in their remarkable semi-final victory over England and emerged as the top point scorer of the tournament with 73 points.
He also represented Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup final against Australia and was later named in the 2021 RLWC Team of the Tournament.
In 2023
In January 2023, Crichton’s management informed Penrith of his intention to explore other opportunities for the 2024 season.
Crichton continued to make an impact on the field, featuring in Penrith’s 2023 World Club Challenge match against St Helens RFC, albeit in a narrow 13-12 loss.
His scoring abilities remained evident as he secured a hat-trick in Penrith’s 20-18 loss to South Sydney in round 8 of the 2023 NRL season.
Additionally, Crichton earned a spot in the extended squad for game one of the 2023 State of Origin series, representing New South Wales.
Stephen Crichton signs with NRL’s Bulldogs
In 2024, Stephen Crichton is set to join the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, signing a lucrative four-year contract worth over $3.3 million. This move comes after his successful tenure as a two-time premiership-winning center with Penrith.
Family
Born in Apia, Samoa, Stephen Crichton is the son of a pastor and grew up in a family of six children. His parents, Va’a and Sina, were employed in an onion factory. Despite opportunities in Australian Rules football, including trials with the GWS Giants, and basketball, Crichton made a deliberate choice to prioritize rugby league. His decision to represent his Samoan heritage was more of a heartfelt commitment than a mere choice.
Girlfriend
Stephen Crichton Shares Love and Happiness with Girlfriend Leone K Lauafia, as Evidenced by Their Instagram Posts.
Honors
Individual
- In 2020 Dally M Centre of The Year
Club
- In 2020 Minor Premiership Winners
- In 2021 NRL Grand Final Winners
- In 2022 Minor Premiership Winners
- In 2022 NRL Grand Final Winners
- In 2023 Minor Premiership Winners
International
- In 2021 Rugby League World Cup final
Net Worth 2023
Stephen Crichton, an accomplished rugby player, has built a thriving career with an estimated net worth of approximately $2 million, earning an annual salary of $900,000.
Latest News about Stephen Crichton
Brad Fettler’s Praise for Stephen Crichton’s Vital Role in Panthers’ Impressive Win
Panthers departing hero Stephen Crichton received accolades for his “protective” role in a vintage performance during the 38-4 win, particularly for a critical captain’s challenge. Crichton, who recently celebrated his 23rd birthday, partnered with five-eighth Jarome Luai as the latter recovered from a dislocated shoulder.
Brad Fittler, a Panthers premiership-winner, commended Coach Ivan Cleary’s decision to pair up the most effective combinations, placing a stellar defender beside a vulnerable star player. Fittler stated on Nine’s coverage, “They positioned Stephen Crichton, their best defender, alongside him (Luai). In the early stages of the game, it was evident that Luai hardly had any involvement with the ball, as his primary focus was to serve as his protector.”
Crichton, who has already signed with the Canterbury Bulldogs for the next season, expressed his ambition for a fourth consecutive grand final appearance with his current team. He shared, “It’s quite special being my last year here; I believe this was our goal at the beginning of the year. These guys have been with me since my debut, and it’s been the same group all the way through. It was great to secure the victory in front of our home fans and my family as well.”
After the game, Fittler continued to laud Crichton, who he had coached during his six appearances for the NSW Blues. The center also played a crucial role in a captain’s challenge in the second half when the Storm was granted a 20-meter restart. In this instance, Crichton encouraged Nathan Cleary to challenge, and subsequent footage revealed that fullback Nick Meaney had not placed his foot down in the in-goal area while catching the ball.
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