The Bulldogs and the Dolphins might not be the only two clubs in the running for Stephen Crichton’s signature, with Mark Geyer tipping two other clubs as outside chances.
Crichton told the Panthers he would be seeking playing opportunities elsewhere when his deal expires at the end of the 2023 season.
Geyer believes Crichton’s departure was inevitable due to salary cap pressures at the Panthers and his desire to play fullback.
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“I think it was on the cards because when Penrith have won back-to-back premierships and been in the last three grand finals your carcass gets picked,” Geyer said on Triple M.
“They come for you and I think it was inevitable and they do lose valuable cattle.
“They lost Matt Burton and Kurt Capewell two years ago, Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau this year and now Crichton. That is five really good players.
“Stephen Crichton is a local junior, a St Claire junior. He has been one of the mainstays at Penrith for the last few seasons.
“But Penrith said in that statement that they had a good crack at keeping him.
“But in the long run I think Stephen wants to play fullback. He is currently a centre at Penrith and in Origin.”
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Geyer believes a reunion with former Penrith assistant Cameron Ciraldo at the Bulldogs is the most likely destination for Crichton.
However, he believes the Dolphins, Tigers and Dragons are the three other clubs with the funds to lure Crichton with the promise of a spot at his preferred position of fullback.
“I think of the clubs that are going to line up for him, the Bulldogs have Cameron Ciraldo, who was their assistant coach for four years and is now coaching first grade there,” Geyer said.
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“So there is a big chance he will join Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau there.
“The Dolphins will have a stab. Outside chances are maybe the Tigers and the Dragons.”
However, Wendell Sailor believes the Dolphins are the only team that can entice Crichton away from a Panthers reunion at Belmore.
“He is a big match player and has won two grand finals, so what I reckon will happen now is that it is between the Bulldogs and the Dolphins,” Sailor said on Triple M.
“At the Bulldogs you have got Kikau, Burton and Reed Mahoney who are quality players, but also Gus Gould, who has that rapport with him.
“But there is a bloke called Wayne Bennett, who hasn’t got his big fish yet. He is sitting on a war chest up there and he can pay Crichton big money and make him his marquee player.”
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22-year-old Crichton has 41 tries and 270 points in 76 games for the Panthers since his debut in 2019, winning two premierships from three grand final appearances.
Crichton has also played three Origins for NSW and scored four tries in six Tests for Samoa to date.
