'Tough to leave': Crichton set to depart Panthers at season's end

The Panthers have confirmed premiership-winning centre Stephen Crichton will depart the premiers at the end of the 2023 season to pursue opportunities at a rival club. 

In a Panthers statement released on Monday afternoon, the club indicated they were notified by Crichton’s management that he will be seeking opportunities elsewhere in 2024.

It's understood Crichton told his Panthers teammates of his decision at training on Monday morning and was "fully committed" to finishing the year strongly with the Panthers.

“It was the hardest decision to make, but now my full focus is on the 2023 season and finishing my time at Panthers as strong as I can,” Crichton said in a statement.

“It’s going to be tough to leave my teammates, but we will have our chance to make more memories this year. I know my friendships at Panthers won’t finish here but will last forever.”

It's unclear where Crichton will play in 2024 at this stage, although the Samoan representative has been strongly linked to Canterbury in recent months with former Panthers assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo open to playing him at fullback.

The Panthers said contrary to media reports, the club made a substantial contract extension offer to Crichton last May and were disappointed both parties could not reach an agreement at that point in time.

“Although Panthers is disappointed by the outcome, the club respects Stephen’s decision, and understands the situation is exacerbated by salary cap pressure based on the club’s recent success,” Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said.

“The club thanks Stephen for his efforts and is looking forward to seeing him represent the Panthers for the remainder of the 2023 NRL season.”

Crichton, 22, has played 76 games for the Panthers since making his NRL debut in 2019.

He made his State of Origin debut with NSW last year before helping Samoa to an historic World Cup final with a golden point field goal against England.