‘Best for the team’: Crichton to lean on Cleary’s advice, excited for what Bulldogs can produce on the left

Stephen Crichton says former Panthers teammate Nathan Cleary has been his “idol” and someone he’ll base his leadership off as he faces the biggest challenge of his career as Canterbury’s new captain.

The three-time premiership winner was handed the reins earlier in the week and admitted on Friday night that the 12-6 pre-season challenge loss to the Sharks was the first time he’d ever skippered a team.

He lost his first coin toss and then the game as both teams dropped the ball non-stop in greasy conditions, but he showed signs of promise as a rookie leader with a couple of big shots in defence to inspire his comrades.

It was a big call by coach Cameron Ciraldo to install the new recruit as skipper just one year after Matt Burton and Reed Mahoney were announced as co-captains, but it’s a move that has the backing of the squad and could take Crichton’s game to another level.

“I think coming here with the experience I’ve had for the past few years at a successful club, it was the way I communicated with the team and what’s best for the team,” the strike centre said.

“The way that I lead at training (has been important). A lot of the younger boys, I’m teaching them lessons that I’ve learnt as well throughout my time. It’s all fallen into place after that.

“I’m pretty grateful for the opportunity to lead this great club.

“With the team that we have, it’s basically a fresh roster so I wanted to step up in the leadership role and talk about what I see and feel what’s best for the side.”

Crichton didn’t have to say much when he was at Penrith given Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo were there to lead the side, but he studied his former halfback and hopes that helps him on and off the field this season.

“Going into Origin, Teddy is obviously a big one. But other than him, it’s always been ‘Clez’ who’s been a massive idol for me to learn off on and off the field,” he said, conceding he’ll have to watch a replay of the World Club Challenge because he’ll be at church.

“I haven’t really spoken to anyone (about it). They’re probably off getting ready for a game. I’m trying to learn it myself with my own mentality.

“If I can learn how to lead myself first then I can lead the team as well. Nothing really changes with the way I play.”

Crichton played 20 minutes at left centre on Friday night with Blake Taaffe at fullback, but the former Souths utility didn’t have a great game with a couple of uncharacteristic drops under the high ball.

It will undoubtedly lead to speculation that Crichton could be moved to fullback, and the man himself says that’s still on the cards.

“I’ve been training basically everywhere, wherever Ciro wants,” he said.

“I’m trying to do reps at fullback, wing, centre to give myself an opportunity. If I do get switched around then I know what my job is and I can nail it for the team.

“I think everything is pretty much a chance for me. For me, it’s team first. Whatever Ciro wants for the team to make our team stronger (is what I’ll do).”

While his stint was brief, Bulldogs fans should be excited about the left edge of Matt Burton, Viliame Kikau, Crichton and Josh Addo-Carr.

Scoring points has been an issue for the blue and whites, but this is an edge brimming with speed and size, with the Penrith connection set to bring out the best in Burton.

“The main reason for me playing tonight was to get that combination right, and see how we’re going,” Crichton said.

“Burto running the ball is a massive factor. He’s been a bit quiet the past few seasons, and I’m trying to unleash him, to [help him] play what he sees and play happily – any NRL player plays at their best when they’re happy on and off the field.

“On the field, off the field, [it’s important] we’re always on the same page. Even if there are errors, it’s about connecting with him quickly.

“He’s leading our left edge as well. He’s been really good.”