It was another successful season for Stephen Crichton with the Panthers centre finishing the year as a two-time premiership winner, New South Wales representative and World Cup finalist.
After finishing 2021 on the wing, Crichton made the switch back into the centres this season – playing all 23 games with the number four on his back.
It was another impressive campaign for the Samoan international, who scored 13 tries and kicked 32 goals, while averaging 134 metres a game.
Crichton loves playing in the big games and has made a habit of scoring in NRL grand finals. He became the first player since Brett Kenny in 1981-83 to score in three consecutive deciders when he raced away for the opening try against Parramatta.
His solo effort set the tone for the grand final as the Panthers raced away with back-to-back premierships.
Crichton notched more representative honours in 2022, having played all three matches in the State of Origin series, as well as featuring for Samoa in the World Cup.
He helped lead his country to the World Cup Final against Australia and finished as the tournament's top point-scoring.
Best of Critta in 2022
2022 ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2022 NRL Premiership winner
- 2022 NRL Grand Final first try-scorer
- State of Origin debut; 3 games for NSW Blues
- Rugby League World Cup finalist for Samoa
- Top point-scorer at Rugby League World Cup
- Ken Stephens Medal nominee
Match Highlights: Panthers v Eels
GALLERY
Check out all the best photos of Stephen Crichton from the 2022 season.
STAT ATTACK
Appearances – 23
Tries – 13
Goals – 32/39 (82%)
Line-breaks – 11
Tackle breaks – 59
Try assists – 8
Running metres – 3,089 (avg. 134)
Tackles made – 322
Tackle efficiency – 86.6%
BEST TRY
Receiving the ball 30 metres out from the opposition's line, Crichton turned in-field to beat Dylan Brown and then Clint Gutherson to reach the line. Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Reed Mahoney tried to hold him up, but the Panthers centre grounded the ball for the game's opening try.
Crichton opens the scoring in the NRL Grand Final
WHAT WAS SAID
Crichton was selected to make his State of Origin debut for New South Wales earlier this year. Receiving the phone call from coach Brad 'Freddy' Fittler is a moment he'll never forget.
I got a call from Freddy and I was in the car heading to Church. I had Mum in the car so it was really special to share the moment with Mum. He just called and told me congratulations, you’ve been selected and Mum was listening over the call in the car and she just started crying. It was heaps good to share that moment with Mum.
Stephen Crichton
SOCIAL SCENE
It was a proud moment for Crichton when he received his World Cup jersey alongside his Panthers teammates and Samoan brothers.
And it looks like they had a great time in the UK - dressing up and attending a Manchester United game
