UNBELIEVABLE: Canterbury head coach  has broken his silence on the Stephen Crichton captain  deal against the 2025 NRL season… See more

The Canterbury Bulldogs head coach has finally broken his silence regarding the club’s decision to appoint Stephen Crichton as captain for the 2025 NRL season, a move that has garnered significant attention within the rugby league community. Crichton, who joined the Bulldogs from the Penrith Panthers in the off-season, has quickly become a central figure at the club due to his on-field prowess and leadership qualities. His appointment as captain represents a new era for the Bulldogs, who are looking to rebuild and establish a strong, competitive team in the coming years.

Speaking to the media, the Bulldogs’ head coach explained that Crichton’s selection as captain was not a decision taken lightly. He emphasized that Crichton’s work ethic, maturity, and presence in the locker room made him an ideal candidate for the role. “Stephen has shown incredible leadership potential since his arrival here,” the head coach said. “He’s not just a fantastic player, but a natural leader. His experience in big games, especially with Penrith, has equipped him with the skills needed to guide this team through tough times and set a standard for professionalism.”

Crichton’s appointment comes after the Bulldogs struggled in the 2024 season, failing to make the finals once again. The club has been undergoing a transformation under the current coach, who is eager to change the team’s culture and elevate their performance in the highly competitive NRL landscape. Crichton’s leadership will be crucial in this process, especially given his experience playing in multiple NRL grand finals with Penrith, where he was a key figure in their success.

The head coach further highlighted that Crichton’s leadership style aligns perfectly with the values the Bulldogs are trying to instill in the team. “Stephen leads by example,” the coach explained. “He’s a player who shows up every day, works hard, and demands the best from himself and those around him. That’s exactly the kind of mentality we need to instill in the team moving forward.”

Despite the excitement surrounding Crichton’s appointment, the decision has also sparked some debate among fans and pundits. Some have questioned whether a player who is still relatively new to the club should take on such a significant responsibility so soon. However, the Bulldogs’ head coach is confident in Crichton’s ability to rise to the challenge and believes the captaincy will only enhance his game.

As the Bulldogs look to make a statement in 2025, Crichton’s leadership will be key in guiding the club through what promises to be a defining season.