Sep 22, 2000
Virgo
Apia, Samoa
24 years old
N/A
N/A
Rugby Player
Stephen Crichton: From Samoa to Rugby League Stardom
Early Life and Background
Stephen Crichton was born on September 22, 2000, in Apia, Samoa. At the age of two, his family relocated to Auckland, New Zealand, before eventually settling in Sydney, Australia. He is the younger brother of former Penrith Panthers player Christian Crichton. Stephen attended Patrician Brothers' College in Blacktown, where he initially played in the third team and was not under the notice of coaching staff or talent scouts. However, his dedication and talent soon propelled him into the spotlight.
Club Career
Crichton made his NRL debut for the Penrith Panthers in Round 21 of the 2019 season against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. Over the next four seasons, he became a key player for the Panthers, making 100 appearances and scoring 56 tries. He played a pivotal role in Penrith's three consecutive NRL Grand Final victories in 2021, 2022, and 2023, scoring a try in each of the four consecutive grand final appearances from 2020 to 2023—a feat surpassed only by Johnny King's seven tries in six consecutive grand finals for St. George between 1960 and 1965.
In 2024, Crichton signed with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and was appointed team captain. In his debut season, he made 28 appearances, scored 11 tries, and kicked 21 goals, accumulating 86 points. His leadership and performance earned him the Dally M Centre of the Year and Dally M Captain of the Year awards in 2024.
Representative Career
Crichton has represented New South Wales in the State of Origin series since 2022, making nine appearances and contributing to the team's success in the 2024 series.
Crichton debuted for the Samoa national team on October 15, 2022, against England. He played a crucial role in Samoa's historic run to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup final (held in 2022), scoring four tries and kicking 30 goals during the tournament. Notably, he scored two tries and kicked the winning drop goal in the semi-final against England, leading Samoa to their first-ever World Cup final appearance.
Playing Style and Positions
Standing at 193 cm and weighing 99 kg, Crichton is known for his versatility on the field. Primarily playing as a centre, he has also excelled as a fullback and winger. His athleticism, strong defensive skills, and ability to read the game make him a formidable opponent.
Personal Life
Off the field, Crichton is known for his humility and dedication to the sport. His journey from playing in the third team at school to captaining an NRL team serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes. He continues to be a role model, demonstrating that perseverance and hard work can lead to success at the highest levels of professional rugby league.
