Canterbury fans will get an early glimpse of life with Stephen Crichton in the No.1 jersey on Saturday night.
And while Dogs fans will be interested spectators when Penrith face St Helens in the World Club Challenge, Panthers fans can also take heart knowing the 22-year-old has lifted his own standards at training to give himself every chance of bowing out a three-time premiership winner.
So says co-captain and Nathan Cleary, who expects the locals to give Crichton a warm reception when he runs out for the first time since it was confirmed he would head to the Dogs next year on a $3.3m four-year deal.
Former Panther Viliame Kikau vowed to push himself even harder last season before he departed for the Dogs – now Crichton has told teammates how he intends to do likewise.
The move to fullback is only a one-off so Dylan Edwards can overcome some niggles in time for round one, while another backup option, rookie Isaiah Iongi, was concussed against Parramatta last week.
“‘Critta’ [Crichton] has played fullback before and done a really good job for us, it’s no different this week, and we’re really excited to see how he goes,” Cleary told the Herald.
Bulldogs fans will get an early glimpse of Stephen Crichton at fullback.Credit:Penrith Panthers
“He knows the game really well, he knows when to pop up at the right times, and he’s that big body, too – some of those yardage carries are suited to him.
“If anything he has raised his standards [the past month]. Knowing it will be his last year with us, he wants to make the most of it.
“We’ve had fan days already and people still love him. And why wouldn’t they because he’s done such a great job for this club. He’s definitely motivated to do it again this year.
“When new guys come in and get an opportunity, they don’t want to let anyone down and lift their own standards. It is no different to when someone leaves – Critta wants to leave on a good note.”
Two GOATS: Nathan Cleary and James Roby pose ahead of Saturday’s World Club ChallengeCredit:Penrith Panthers
Cleary and seven other World Cup players cut short their annual leave so they could be available for the St Helens clash. Under the Rugby League Players’ Association collective bargaining agreement, players require at least six weeks of training before playing in a game.
Edwards will skip the game while back-rower Liam Martin will also watch from the sidelines because of a shoulder injury. He’s expected to be right for the season opener against Brisbane.
“I’ve never played in a World Club Challenge, and Penrith have never won one,” said Cleary, who welcomed the sauna-like conditions forecast for BlueBet Stadium, even with the delayed 6.50pm kick-off.
“I watch St Helens a fair bit, they’re a great side, and you don’t win four titles in a row if you’re not a great side. James Roby is the heart and soul of that club. He’s like the Cameron Smith of English rugby league with what he has done in the game. He deserves respect, as does Jack Welsby and Jonny Lomax.”
Questions have been raised about the lack of promotion for the game, especially given St Helens sacrificed the start of their own Super League defence by coming to the other side of the country in the summer.
Around 500 St Helens fans have travelled to Sydney in the hope of watching their team do the unthinkable. Former Saints coaches Royce Simmons and Kristian Woolf both are both backing the tourists to give the Panthers a shake, despite Phil Gould stirring the pot at the start of the week by suggesting his old club could “declare by half-time”.
