Penrith Panthers star centre Stephen Crichton has wasted little time securing his future beyond 2023, with Fox Sports’ James Hooper reporting that he is signing with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
The Panthers announced on Monday that Crichton had informed coach Ivan Cleary that he would be leaving the club after 2023, despite Penrith’s efforts to table a “substantial” offer.
Crichton has reportedly signed a four-year contract worth in excess of $3.3 million but it is yet to be confirmed whether his desire to play fullback played a factor in his decision.
The 22-year-old becomes the third premiership player from the Panthers to leave for the Bulldogs and the eighth to depart the club since the 2021 premiership.
Former Panthers’ assistant Cameron Ciraldo and former executive Phil Gould are reportedly not done with their poaching of Penrith players, with Spencer Leniu now in their sights for the 2024 season.
Leniu is also off-contract for the end of the 2023 season and is yet to sit down with the Panthers in regard to an extension. The Bulldogs may be keen on his services, but they will face steep competition with other rival clubs lining up a bid for the gun forward.
The Bulldogs will be heavy favourites to end their finals drought in 2023 and will be given a massive boost in 2024 with Crichton and possibly Leniu adding Premiership-winning experience.