Stephen Crichton has claims to be the best player in the NRL, and one of the classiest, after capping a superb week with a golden point win for the Bulldogs over Cronulla on Friday night.
Bulldogs v Sharks – Round 17, 2024
After Nicho Hynes shanked his drop goal attempt to win the game in extra time, Matt Burton’s attempt moments later bounced in off the post to seal a thrilling 15-14 win for the Bulldogs.
Burton seals the win!
It’s the fourth win in Canterbury’s last five games and puts them fifth on the ladder with the dream of play finals for the first time 2016 since alive.
A large part of their success is new recruit and captain Crichton, who suited up for the Dogs 48 hours after he starred for NSW in their Game 2 State of Origin demolition of Queensland.
Crichton’s leadership has been credited with helping turn the Bulldogs around and he showed his class by going to console Hynes as the Sharks halfback copped jeers going down the tunnel at the end of the game.
Sports reporter Adam Pengilly wrote on X: “As Nicho Hynes was being heckled by Bulldogs fans as he went up the tunnel, Stephen Crichton ran after him to offer some words of encouragement.
“He then returned to the field for media duties and to be with teammates. Class act.”
The Kennel account wrote: “How the hell did we manage to land such a wonderful player? What a classy human being Stephen Crichton is.”
Sports producer Andrew Lucas said: “Stephen Crichton all class, simple as that.”
One fan commented: “Stephen Crichton, seriously impressive lately on the field! Humble enough to remove himself from the spotlight to make sure someone else is ok! I like this guy a lot!
“To be great at Footy is one thing, to be a star and continue to put others first is a trait possessed by very few…”
Another said: “Crichton has matured into the Bulldogs captaincy role beautifully. Has been signing of the year for sure!!”
Crichton now lays claim to being the best player in the NRL.
The 23-year-old is already a three-time premiership winner with Penrith and has scored tries in four consecutive grand finals.
He helped take Samoa to their first ever Rugby League World Cup final in 2022 and is now one of the first picked on NSW’s team sheet for State of Origin.
With Nathan Cleary out with a hamstring injury, the mantle for the NRL’s best player is there for the taking, at least for now.
Mitchell Moses staked his claim with perhaps the best performance by a Blues halfback since Andrew Johns that will surely keen him in the NSW No. 7 jersey for some time.
Crichton’s juggling intercept was peak rugby league and pointing at his temple while staring at Daly Cherry-Evans to show NSW were inside’s Queensland’s heads was as ice cold as it gets.
Crichton is well and truly throwing his hat in the ring to the debate and his leadership at the Bulldogs can’t be underestimated.
Last month, footage went viral of Fox League commentator Cooper Cronk pointing out Crichton’s on-field leadership — speaking to backs Connor Tracey and Blake Wilson immediately before Wilson scored a try in the Round 14 win over Parramatta.
“Stephen Crichton, having a mini meeting with his team and there’s no doubt that that leadership (of) Stephen Crichton showed in that moment,” Cronk said in commentary.
“There’s a reason why the Dogs have hit the front.”
Article courtesy of Matthew Sullivan, news.com.au. See the original article, here.
