Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs Captain Stephen Crichton and five eighth Matt Burton are deep in Blues camp after receiving their official selection news on Sunday for game one of the 2024 State of Origin series.
Stephen Crichton will make his seventh Origin appearance next Wednesday in the series opener, having made his Blues debut in 2022. Since joining the Bulldogs this year, Crichton has scored four tries in 11 matches this year and has averaged 134 run metres in his past five games.
The Captain has been a fan-favourite since moving to Belmore and is often the first player in to celebrate every try scored by the Blue and White. Crichton played a key role in last week’s 44-12 victory over the Dragons, setting winger Jacob Kiraz up to score in the corner and later collecting a kick from Connor Tracey to cross the line himself.
Stephen Crichton Try
Five Eighth Matt Burton, meanwhile, has been selected in the Blues squad for his third consecutive year. Burton leads the NRL for tries scored by a half, having crossed the line eight times in 11 outings this year. The half had a stellar Origin audition against the Dragons last Thursday scoring two tries and kicking six goals in a 20-point performance.
Matt Burton 1st Try
Matt Burton 2nd Try
Burton received Origin endorsement ahead of receiving the official call up from both Coach Cameron Ciraldo and teammate Crichton who agreed, ‘the sky is the limit for him (Burton)’. Burton will be the Blues 18th man for the upcoming game and is ready for the challenge stating, ‘I’ll be happy to play anywhere’.
This year’s Origin series marks the third NSW camp the pair have spent together, and the Bulldogs wish to congratulate them on their selection in the upcoming series.
The 2024 State of Origin series will kick off on Wednesday, June 5 with NSW and QLD set to battle it out at the Bulldog's home ground, Accor Stadium.
