Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has made headlines with a major change to his side’s leadership ranks in 2024.
The former Penrith assistant dumped Matt Burton and Reed Mahoney as co-captains in favour of Panthers’ Premiership hero and now Bulldogs recruit Stephen Crichton.
Despite only making 99 appearances in his young career, Crichton has one of the most impressive resumes in the NRL and is widely renowned as one of the league’s best clutch players.
Although the decision caught many off guard, people within the Bulldogs' inner sanctum, including winger Jacob Kiraz were quick to defend the decision.
“It was an easy choice, I’ve gotten along with ‘Critta’ pretty good ever since he came to the club,” Kiraz told SEN 1170 The Run Home.
“No one really knows how much of a pest he is in the changerooms but that’s just the way he is, but honestly his first week he came early and we had an army camp, the way he showed leadership skills and I’m sure it’s not easy coming into a new team but the way he showed he’s a natural leader.
“Obviously his resume speaks for itself.”
At 23-year-old Crichton already has three wins from four Grand Final showings, a World Cup Final appearance for Samoa and two Dally M Centre of the Year awards to go along with an 86 per cent win record at club level.
“(For) all the boys, it wasn't a shock for us honestly when he got the captaincy,” Kiraz added.
“He leads by it, even with his actions on the field and the way his been training have been amazing.
“I can’t wait to play for him.”
Kiraz is set to line up alongside Crichton for the first time in an official NRL game next Saturday afternoon when the Bulldogs face cross-town rivals the Parramatta Eels.