Stephen Crichton
Laurie Daley has defended his surprise decision to drop back-rower Haumole Olakau'atu for uncapped Dylan Lucas as the NSW coach downplayed fears over the fitness of five-eighth Mitchell Moses.
Stephen Crichton shapes as his biggest competition for a whirlwind State of Origin debut, but Jacob Kiraz is backing his Canterbury teammate to be fit for game two.
Key points:- Stephen Crichton says rest from Canterbury's demanding NRL campaign has helped his body recover from an ongoing shoulder issue ahead of Origin I.
NSW captain Isaah Yeo insists Stephen Crichton will be fit for the State of Origin series opener after the centre missed the Blues' first training session of their Central Coast camp.
Stephen Crichton concedes he has been below his best ahead of the State of Origin series opener, having battled through an unprecedented chapter of his NRL career.
NSW captain Isaah Yeo has lauded Latrell Mitchell's selflessness in ruling himself out of the State of Origin series opener after aggravating his back injury.
Cameron Ciraldo insists out-of-sorts Stephen Crichton will finally rediscover his elite best at Magic Round and would be "shocked" if Canterbury's captain missed State of Origin selection.
Leo Thompson has welcomed the sight of captain Stephen Crichton barking at halfback Lachlan Galvin, claiming Canterbury can only snap out of their NRL slump if they hold each other accountable.
Stephen Crichton will miss consecutive NRL matches through injury for the first time in his 146-game career after failing to recover from a shoulder issue for round seven.
Canterbury teammates have credited Stephen Crichton's "super genes" as the Bulldogs centre eyes an incredible return from his shoulder injury.
Canterbury are bracing for life without Stephen Crichton after the Bulldogs imploded in a 32-24 NRL loss to South Sydney and their skipper succumbed to a shoulder injury.
North Queensland's Braidon Burns has been offered a two-match ban by the judiciary for his high tackle which put his side a man-down with the match hanging in the balance at Allegiant Stadium on Sunda...
Stephen Crichton calls them the sons of Samoa, and when it comes to family and country, commitment to both the national jersey and each other is a year-long thing.