JUST IN: Landmark Day For The Club As Bulldogs Captain Stephen Crichton Re-signs A Mega Deal Until The End Of 2031 But, Here’s The Problem…..
Stephen Crichton has secured his long-term future, inking a bumper contract extension to remain with the Bulldogs until the end of 2031.
Despite having another two years to run on his deal, Crichton has re-committed in what general manager Phil Gould described as a “landmark day” for the club.
Since the arrival of Crichton at the start of last season, Canterbury have surged up the ladder and became a premiership threat with their skipper at the forefront.
Arguably the best centre in the game, the 25-year-old has signed on the dotted line for an extra four years and it will see him play out the prime of his career at Belmore.
Stephen has developed into one of the game’s best captains since his arrival,” Gould said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.
“His leadership and influence has been infectious from the day he stepped foot in Belmore and he has since led our side to consecutive finals series for the first time in a decade.
“People across our club, not just his teammates, look up to him and he will not only hopefully finish his career as a Bulldog, but as one of our greatest captains.
“This is a landmark day in the proud history of our club.”
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Crichton – who won three premierships with the Panthers before making the switch – believes that type of success is only around the corner for the Bulldogs.
“I’m excited to stay here and grateful to be able to call myself a Bulldog,” he said.
“Ever since I came to the Club last year it has felt like I belong here. I can’t thank Gus and Ciro [ coach Cameron Ciraldo] for everything they have done for me and my family.
“While we’ve had a great turnaround in the last two years, I’m still not satisfied.
“I want to help bring the Bulldogs the success this club and community deserves.
“This is home for me now.”
Crichton’s season ended in heartache, suffering an ankle injury during his side’s loss to the Melbourne Storm in the qualifying final.
His absence was felt as Canterbury were knocked out in straight sets against a red-hot Panthers outfit in the second week of the post-season.
