Leaving Penrith is “the hardest thing” Stephen Crichton has ever performed, however the actuality of leaving greatest mate Brian To’o behind when he heads to the Bulldogs is one thing that hasn’t fairly sunk in but forward of what may very well be their ultimate sport collectively.
The dynamic duo have dominated for Penrith, NSW and Samoa over time, with the pair debuting three months aside again in 2019 earlier than the Panthers began their unbelievable run of three-straight grand finals that would prolong to 4 in the event that they beat the Storm.
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The native juniors have developed a lethal mixture whichever aspect of the sphere they play on, however that’s going to be damaged up within the coming weeks with Crichton off to Canterbury subsequent season on a profitable four-year deal.
Crichton hasn’t thought concerning the challenges he’ll face on the Bulldogs subsequent yr and is concentrated on leaving Penrith with a 3rd title in as many seasons.
“It’s probably the hardest (thing I’ve done), but with the opportunity that we have, it’s the best way I can give back to the club and do my best for the team as well,” he mentioned.
“It has (sunk in). I really thought about it over the past couple of weeks coming into my last home game last week in this jersey. I have reflected on it, but I have put it to the side. It’s not about me. It’s about the team and where the team is going.”
The bond Crichton shares with To’o is a particular one, with the athletic centre one of many groomsmen at his good good friend’s wedding ceremony final yr.
It’s why Crichton felt it was solely proper to interrupt the Canterbury news to To’o earlier than anybody else discovered.
“Bizza was the first person I told. He and his partner were pretty emotional. I grew up with them and he’s been my best mate ever since footy started,” he mentioned.
“It was pretty sad telling him. I told him first out of all the boys, but I’m just trying to lap it up with Bizza and our last few sessions together.
“We’re heaps tight. Just the bond that we’ve had and success that we’ve had brought us together. Just not on the field, but off the field it’s just always fun, always mucking around.
“Our families are pretty close, too. We go to the same church as well, so we’ve kind of been together ever since we were young.”
While Crichton could also be leaving Penrith, the bond along with his greatest good friend won’t ever be damaged.
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“We’re not brothers by blood, but we are brothers by choice,” To’o mentioned.
“If I don’t see him for three months, we can catch up one day and it’s like we’ve never been apart.”
Playing in opposition to one another subsequent yr will likely be a captivating storyline that’s positive to deliver out some banter, however for now, To’o is simply completely happy that Crichton has secured monetary safety for his household even when it means breaking apart the band.
“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet, so we’re just taking it day by day so we can make the most of it,” the powerhouse winger mentioned.
“It was a bit of mixed emotions when he told me because I was happy for him, but I was also emotional that he was leaving.
“We’ve been in the system together for a very long time, and even off field he’s like a brother to me and someone that I look up to.
“To see him earn the rewards for his family by setting himself up for the next few years is great to see, but it does make me emotional because we’ve achieved a lot together.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
