Captain Critta: Crichton thriving on leadership challenge

After a 20-minute cameo in his first appearance for the Bulldogs, Samoan superstar Stephen Crichton was asked the last time he had captained a team.

“Never. That was the first time,” Crichton said.

As Canterbury’s biggest off-season signing and best player, Crichton was appointed captain before Friday night’s 12-6 Pre-season Challenge loss to Cronulla after impressing coach Cameron Ciraldo with his leadership at training.

It’s a role he is keen to embrace after helping Penrith to four consecutive grand finals, winning three, and Samoa to the World Cup final at Old Trafford in 2022, while establishing himself as regular member of the NSW Origin team.

“Coming here, with the experience I’ve had the past few years at a successful club, it was the way I communicated with the team and the way I lead at training, teaching the younger boys some lessons I’ve learned throughout my time,” he said.

“That was a little role for myself with the team that we have, which is basically all like a whole fresh roster, so I'm stepping up in the leadership role and talking what I see, and what I feel, as well.

“It's all just fallen into place, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this great club.”

While it is a new team there are a lot of familiar faces, with Ciraldo, five-eight Matt Burton, strike second-rower Viliame Kikau and lock Jaeman Salmon all have transferred from Penrith to Belmore in the recent seasons.

In addition, Crichton has played alongside star winger Josh Addo-Carr for the Blues and the pair are set to form a lethal left edge with Kikau and Burton.

“There are some experienced players out there with Kiks, Foxx and Burto,” Crichton said.

“We need to take our chances as they come and keep building those combinations, so it becomes second nature on the field.

“I’ve been training everywhere, wherever Ciro wants. I’ve been doing reps at fullback, wing, centre … if I do get switched around, I'll know what my job is, and I can handle it for the team.”

Although Crichton will go into the season opening match against Parramatta on March 9 with just 20 minutes of game time under his belt, he was confident the new combinations at the Bulldogs will develop quickly.

 “The main reason for me playing was to get that combination right, and see how we’re going,” he said.

“Burto running the ball is a massive factor. He’s been a bit quiet the past few seasons, and I’m trying to unleash him, to [help him] play what he sees and play happily – any NRL player plays at their best when they’re happy on and off the field.

“On the field, off the field, [it’s important] we’re always on the same page. Even if there are errors, it’s about connecting with him quickly. He’s leading our left edge as well. He’s been really good.”

The decision to hand the captaincy from Burton to Crichton is intended to free up the star playmaker but it is not known whether it will effect his successor as he has never had the responsibility.

However, Crichton said he wasn't intending to seek advice and while he had learned off James Tedesco and Nathan Cleary at Origin and club level he intended to do it his way.

“Going into Origin camp, Teddy was a big one but it’s always been Clez, he’s been a massive idol for myself to learn off, on the field and off the field," he said.

“I haven’t spoken to him or anyone. I’ll try to nail it myself; nothing changes with the way I play, it’s taking on an extra role for the team."