Canterbury’s high-profile acquisition, Stephen Crichton, will kick off the season playing in the centers rather than at fullback, contributing to what promises to be one of the NRL’s most formidable left-edge attacks. While much anticipation surrounds South Sydney’s left flank featuring Keaon Koloamatangi, Cody Walker, Jack Wighton, Latrell Mitchell, and Alex Johnston, Canterbury boasts Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton, Crichton, and Josh Addo-Carr.
Debate swirled during the offseason regarding the starting position for three-time premiership winner Crichton, who secured a hefty contract of over $800,000 per season. However, due to a quad injury affecting Crichton’s training workload at fullback, Blake Taaffe will initially take on the role of fullback. Taaffe, despite a less-than-ideal performance in Friday’s trial against Cronulla, has impressed during training.
The timing of Crichton’s transition to fullback hinges on Taaffe’s early-season performances. While some fans may question deploying a player of Crichton’s caliber in the centers given his lucrative contract, few centers possess his ability to impact both attack and defense significantly.
Recently appointed Bulldogs captain Crichton expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with former Panthers teammates Burton and Kikau, as well as NSW Origin colleague Addo-Carr. He voiced confidence in his ability to elevate Burton’s game, noting Burton’s subdued performances in recent seasons and aiming to unleash his full potential.
Acknowledging the honor of captaining Canterbury, Crichton cited his past experiences under exceptional leaders like Nathan Cleary, Issah Yeo, and James Tedesco. Despite never having captained a team at the junior level, he embraces the responsibility.
Meanwhile, new Sydney Roosters NSW Cup coach Brett Morris anticipates working with former Origin representatives Dylan Napa and Michael Jennings this season. Napa, who captained a Roosters fringe team to victory over South Sydney in a recent trial, embodies the club’s ethos and serves as an inspiration for younger players. Jennings, though aged 35, is poised to contribute in reserve grade from round one, showcasing his enduring fitness and talent. Morris looks forward to potentially including Jennings in the round-one lineup.
