crichton’s grit shows as he refuses to let injury rule him out for nsw
stephen crichton’s incredible determination to represent new south wales in state of origin shone through when he used just one powerful word to ensure he wasn’t sidelined. despite concerns about his fitness, crichton made it clear he was ready to play — and that made all the difference.
nsw coach laurie daley recently revealed the behind-the-scenes challenges his team faced, especially around injuries to key players like crichton and prop payne haas. both stars were under fitness clouds leading into the game, with medical staff and selectors unsure whether they’d be fit enough to compete at the highest level.
daley explained that when doubts arose over crichton’s ability to perform, the coaching team prepared to potentially rule him out. however, crichton’s response was firm and unwavering. when asked about his condition, the samoan international didn’t go into detail or make excuses — he simply said, “i’m right.”
that one-word answer carried serious weight. crichton’s clear commitment and confidence in his body gave daley and the selectors enough assurance to stick with him, trusting that he knew what his body could handle. crichton’s refusal to back down sent a strong message about his mentality — he was ready to put everything on the line for his state.
daley said that kind of attitude is what separates the good players from the great ones. “there are moments where coaches have to rely not just on scans or physio reports but on a player’s mindset,” daley noted. “crichton left no doubt that he was going to be there. you could see it in his eyes.”
alongside crichton, payne haas was also nursing an injury, adding to the selection headaches for the blues. haas, known for his power and endurance, was dealing with a niggling issue that could have affected his impact. but like crichton, haas showed he was prepared to tough it out. daley said these players’ toughness and resilience set the tone for the rest of the squad.
“you want to see your top guys leading from the front, even when things aren’t perfect,” daley said. “that sort of courage lifts everyone around them.”
crichton has quickly become one of the most dependable players in the blues setup. whether playing at centre or filling in as a utility, his performances have been consistently strong. his response to injury doubt only reinforced the reputation he’s building as one of origin’s toughest competitors.
the lead-up to a state of origin match is often filled with media speculation about injuries, and sometimes that can affect team morale. but having players like crichton and haas, who shut out the noise and focus on the game, makes a huge difference in how a team prepares.
in the end, crichton’s short but powerful declaration — “i’m right” — was all daley needed to hear. it was more than just an answer. it was a statement of intent, a show of pride, and a reflection of the unbreakable spirit that origin footy is built on.
