Stephen Crichton Breaks Silence After Inking Four-Year Contract with the Bulldogs
NRL star Stephen Crichton has finally broken his silence following the announcement of his stunning four-year contract with the Canterbury Bulldogs. After months of speculation regarding his future, the powerhouse centre opened up about his decision to leave the Penrith Panthers and return to the Bulldogs in a deal reportedly worth millions.
Crichton, who has been an integral part of the Panthers’ dominant run in recent years, including their back-to-back NRL Premiership victories, shocked many when he confirmed his move to the Bulldogs. The 23-year-old, who made his NRL debut with Canterbury before moving to Penrith in search of greater success, spoke candidly about the factors that led to his decision.
“I’ve had an amazing time at Penrith, and I’ll always be grateful for everything the club has done for me,” Crichton said in a statement. “But for me, this is a new chapter. Coming back to the Bulldogs feels like the right move at this stage of my career. I’m excited to be back home and to help bring success to this club.”
The contract, which will see Crichton remain with the Bulldogs until at least 2028, is one of the most significant signings in recent NRL history. Crichton’s return is seen as a statement of intent from the Bulldogs, who have been rebuilding their squad in recent seasons. With Crichton now back in the fold, Canterbury is looking to re-establish itself as a serious contender in the NRL.
Crichton also revealed how much the Bulldogs’ vision for the future played a role in his decision. “The club’s direction and the team they’re building really excites me. I want to be part of that. I believe we can do something special together. I’ve seen the young talent coming through, and I know we can build something big here,” he said.
The signing is also a major boost for Bulldogs fans, who are eager for a revival after a period of underachievement. Crichton’s ability to break tackles, create line breaks, and provide attacking spark will be a key asset to Canterbury’s backline, which has struggled in recent seasons. His leadership, having won multiple titles with Penrith, will also be invaluable as the Bulldogs look to rise through the ranks.
For Crichton, returning to the Bulldogs represents not just a professional move, but a personal one. “This is where my journey began,” he said. “I owe a lot to the Bulldogs and the fans. I’m excited to give everything I have to this club and help bring success back to Belmore.”
As Crichton embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on the Bulldogs as they look to build a team capable of challenging for the NRL premiership in the coming years.
