“It’s something we came up with doing off season, just like a little connection piece there with the boys making them feel connected and welcome. A few of the handshakes are pretty long, but it’s cool” Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton.
It’s finals season for the NRL, and as the normal suspects once again make an appearance in the top eight, the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs have secured themselves a place in finals week for the first time since 2016.
Leading from the front is captain and former Penrith Panther superstar Stephen Crichton, who has played a key role in leading the team through its breakthrough season.
The 23 year old is touted as one of NRL’s leading stars of today’s generation and looks forward to their first finals hitout with Manly this Sunday especially after a heavy loss last week against the Cowboys.
“We haven’t been in the final for a few years now, so the boys are pumped and the new competition starts this week” he said.
“We lacked the basic fundamentals last week. Too many errors in which we gave them good field possession. Its small fixes that we can do as a squad and as a team come our finals match on Sunday”
“They (Manly) got strike power all over the park and they could definitely hurt us as well”.
Crichtons new and vibrant energy has been a breath of fresh air for the club, bringing connections and vibes to not only the players but also the fans of the club.
A tactic he has focused on, is the on and off field camaraderie. He has developed a brotherhood unity between himself and his teammates, with each player having their own personalised handshake with their captain.
“It’s something we came up with doing off season, just like a little connection piece there with the boys making them feel connected and welcome. A few of the handshakes are pretty long, but it’s cool”.
Crichton has had a standout year, starring not only for the Bulldogs but also playing an unimportant role in the NSW Blues victorious State of Origin campaign.
Having also led Samoa to their first-ever world cup final in 2022, he also is no stranger to winning NRL premierships with three rings with his former club Panthers, a notable feat in NZ sports news.
But despite his hard work throughout the year, the young captain still believes there’s more work to be done individually and as a team.
“I haven’t been going at my best the past couple of weeks, especially defensive as well. It’s a good year though for the boys and we have a good crew that helps us to get better”
“The seasons not over yet, got more games to go and hoping we go deep into the finals as well”.
