Stephen Crichton spotted in telling move as former team Panthers make NRL grand final

The former Penrith player showed how much the club and his ex-teammates mean to him.

Stephen Crichton’s presence among the Penrith Panthers’ families during their preliminary final against Cronulla provides a poignant reminder of the deep bond and culture that Ivan Cleary has fostered at the club. Despite Crichton’s departure to the Canterbury Bulldogs, his connection to the Panthers remains strong. The sight of him sitting with the families of his former teammates is a testament to the lasting relationships built at Penrith, even as many star players, including Crichton, have had to leave due to the salary cap.

Crichton, who captains the Bulldogs, was part of a Panthers team that has achieved remarkable success, making their fifth consecutive grand final. His gesture highlights that even after leaving, former players like him still feel deeply connected to the club’s success and the friendships they formed. It’s a powerful example of the unity within the rugby league community, showing that bonds formed in a winning environment can endure long after players move on to new teams.

This loyalty and camaraderie are also seen with other former players like Api Koroisau, Matt Burton, and Viliame Kikau, who continue to support the Panthers, regardless of which jersey they wear. Fans on social media have praised Crichton’s actions, emphasizing how it speaks volumes about the culture at Penrith and the ongoing support former players show to each other, even as they move on to different chapters in their careers.

Stephen Crichton ‘brothers’ with former Panthers teammates

Crichton has a particularly close bond with To’o and Luai and describes the Panthers players as his ‘brothers’. Their families are still close despite the fact Crichton now plays for the rival Bulldogs.

Stephen Crichton’s heartfelt reflection on leaving the Penrith Panthers sheds light on the deep emotional connections he forged with his teammates, particularly with Brian To’o, or “Bizza.” Crichton revealed that telling To’o about his decision to leave was one of the hardest parts of the move. The bond between the two extends far beyond the field, with Crichton describing their relationship as one of brotherhood, not by blood, but by choice.

The two have been close since their early days in rugby league, sharing not only victories on the field but a deep friendship off it. Crichton spoke about the emotional moment when he told To’o, with both players and their families feeling the weight of the decision. Their families are intertwined, even attending the same church, which further strengthens their connection.

Crichton’s comments emphasize how sports can create lifelong friendships and bonds that go beyond professional commitments. Despite his departure from Penrith, Crichton’s loyalty to his teammates and the memories they built together continue to shape his personal and professional journey. His decision to leave was difficult, but it reflects the realities of the salary cap and the sacrifices players make for career advancement, even when their hearts are tied to a special place.

The close friendship between Stephen Crichton and Brian To’o has not only highlighted the emotional bond they share but also sparked speculation about To’o’s future with the Penrith Panthers. To’o, who was visibly emotional when Crichton shared the news of his departure, expressed a mix of happiness and sadness. He was happy for Crichton, who had secured a big contract with the Canterbury Bulldogs, but also saddened by the thought of his close friend leaving. To’o described Crichton as a brother and someone he has looked up to throughout their time together at the Panthers, both on and off the field.

The speculation about To’o wanting out of the Panthers began to surface after conversations he had with Crichton and Jarome Luai during the NSW State of Origin camp. Both Crichton and Luai had secured lucrative deals with their new clubs, the Bulldogs and Wests Tigers, respectively. To’o, on the other hand, is still on a relatively modest deal with Penrith, which raised questions about whether he might follow in his friends’ footsteps and seek a bigger contract elsewhere.

While it’s clear that To’o has the potential to earn more at other clubs, he has remained loyal to the Panthers for now. This loyalty reflects the deep ties he has to the club, but also speaks to the strong culture and sense of brotherhood that exists at Penrith. Despite the financial incentives that may come with a move, To’o’s emotional connection to the team and his desire to continue the journey with them seems to outweigh the temptation of a bigger payday elsewhere—at least for the moment.