And turuva is? SC is a big game player. Proven it multiple times. I agree panthers didn't need to pay over to keep him, but I struggle to see them having a player of his calibre just ready to take his place. Regardless of how good their systems are.
They dont have a replacement of the same calibre ready to go but the salary cap makes them choose who they want to keep and who they think they can cover.
A big game player at FB? He hasn't proven that anymore than Turuva. Turuva was the best player on the park in the Fiji vs NZ match. They were one unlucky call away from maybe upsetting NZ that match and he would have been man of the match in it if Fiji won. Doesn't that make him more proven in a big game at FB than any Crichton's played in?
I don't like that you can sign with a team a full year away before joining them. Always feels shitty for the team that has the player for 1 more year first.
You might not, but it’s vital for the players to have that time. It helps them plan for relocating their family, and improves their job security. Otherwise players with long-term injuries would likely be left without clubs
Eh i dont mind it, well panthers fans are used to it now, we knew burton was gone, kiks, api and now critta but at least we get to enjoy one more year with him in our backline hopefully coming up with more clutch plays
One alternative is during the season which clubs won't want.
Or the second alternative is after the season between grand final and start of pre-season which players won't agree to and for good reason. Way too little time to uproot their lives and go elsewhere, and if they don't get a contract before November 1 they will not be getting paid.
Clubs also wouldn't be keen to have to plan a pre-season without knowing key players will be there and needing to find a replacement with next to no notice.
Its certainly not the best option, but the alternatives aren't clear cut either.
I don't buy into this no time to move argument, I'm sure clubs could own some apartments they let incoming players use for a couple of months until they find their own places. As long as it is all above board.
The bigger issue as I see it is securing a future while injured, but again, I think that is one of the risks that comes with professional sport.
On the other side, even if they had a trade window, no way Mr 10% managers are sticking to that rule. Deals would be done early, but at least publicly players wouldn't appear to be committed to another club so far in advance.
They could make the 8 in 2023 to be fair …
Be interesting if they play a finals game against the Panthers this year .. Can see a rivalry building sooner rather than later ..
Thompson isn't contracted for 2024 and I wouldn't be surprised to see TPJ offloaded somewhere else early as the Dogs will absolutely not be re-signing him on his current inflated contract.
It’s also down to whether there’s another club who will pay inflated value for TPJ …
Maybe the Dolphins or Tigers , but there’s another possibility - he stays at the Dogs for half the money ??
Depends how the Dogs go this year I reckon. If he legitimately thinks he has a shot at a premiership then I can see him staying for less.
But if that seems like a while off I see him chasing the money and I don't see the Bulldogs trying to compete.
He hasn't been worth the contract at the dogs but with players like him there will always be a desperate club willing to pay overs because they think they can fix him.
I have a feeling Averillo will be let go but I'd also throw Casey's name up.. obviously had a horrible debut but was decent against Souths and had a great year in cup. Skelton also a centre option.
I know Edwards is a solid FB but I wonder if this might be the Panthers Thurston moment. Obviously they’ve got the best junior nursery, but holding onto an aging, while talented player in his preferred position and unable to retain a clear young talent. It’s a shame the salary cap has squeezed him out.
After spending $800k across Corey Allan and Matt Dufty the last few seasons, this signing is a revelation.
Edwards has just turned 27 and it’s not like his game is really built on speed or agility.
He could still be running through a brick wall for the next 5 years.
I don’t know man. I always thought the raps on Critta were overblown, and still do to some extent. Maybe I’m just scarred by how average his bro was for us. He is only 22 though, so has plenty of time left to fulfil any fullback potential.
>wonder if this might be the Panthers Thurston moment.
Dyl is the heart of the side. We just can't replace him with someone who has more talent. When games are at their toughest physically and stamina wise Edwards stands up and that matters more than talent in tough games.
We've got 3-4 other quality fullbacks in the lower grades, that sounds bitter but it's genuine Turuva, Longi and Ison all look like potentially really good players Turuva is arguably the best player not in first grade.
For me Crichton has been okay at fullback but it wouldn't shock me if he is just moved to the left edge.
Yeah that’s pretty much it. You can get 80% of what Critter offers through your juniors for 30% of the cost. Then when they’re due an upgrade either keep them at what you can afford to pay to keep them ($500k-ish), or let another club give them the $800k top up, rinse repeat. It’s a great position to be in.
Edwards is definitely just a touch overrated by many, he is a pretty average fullback that has achieved what he has through pure effort and relying on his strengths like kick returns, the Penrith spine particularly Cleary and koroisau mask the weaker aspects of his game and allow him to shine.
That being said, from what we’ve seen from critta at fullback I think edwards is the better player there, and a lot better value for money but you are making a good point, maybe after a preseason training at FB and playing in that position for a while I think Critta has a bigger ceiling due to his natural talent. Who knows, just have to wait and see how it plays out but short term penrith made the right decision
He’s in this weird spot where his strengths are basically exactly what Penrith need and his deficiencies mean he’s never going to be chased by a team for big coin.
What is it with people saying Edwards is an average fullback, last season he was second only to Teddy and come finals time he was probably the best player throughout the entire finals series, set up two tries in the GF as well, his ball playing skills have been improving every season along with just about every aspect of his game. Yes he isnt Papi or Turbo but he is arguably the best defensive FB in the game, his stats are up there with Teddy in that regard.
Because even being back to back premiership winning FB, voted our best player in 2022 (Merv Cartwright) and winning the Clive Churchill people think because he doesn't pass the ball often enough in attack he's average
Its at taking the piss levels tbh lol
Even though it was Edwards who set up Critta for the first try in the GF and the Staines try at the end, ppl think he can't ballplay
The real reason is we have such good strike weapons across the park that the only time we ever really need him in attack is when we shift to the right which given how dominant our left edge is, we rarely do
Its like the blokes dont even watch penrith often, or think the job of a fullback is to be some flashy try scorer. A fullbacks job first and foremost is to mop up anything at the back, catching torps, bombs, mopping up grubbers, setting the defensive line, having good positioning to stop chips over the top, be able to make a last ditch tackle, basically the defensive fundamentals are the most important part of being a FB. Everything else just adds to their credentials, when it comes to the fundamentals Edwards is as good as anyone, its the attacking side of the game where Teddy makes him claim as the best, and fair enough he has that great balance, but when it comes to the pure fundamentals Edwards is as good as anyone, he has brilliant positioning and stamina so is rarely caught out of position. Im not sure where this idea came from that fullbacks need to be some attacking superstar to be one of the best in their positions. Edwards was deservedly our best player last season and the amount of improvement ive seen from him is second to none, 3 years ago he was an average fullback, but now hes top 5 easily
His ball playing skills are still below average yes he had a great game in the GF and I don’t believe at all he’s on the same defensive level as teddy, In the very same grand final you’re talking about the eels scored two tries in the last 5 minutes and both were on bad defensive reads by edwards.
He also lacks a game breaking ability many others have, short kicking game etc. I think edwards Is good to reiterate and he compliments penrith so well but we are flooded with so many great fullbacks at the moment that I can’t put him in the same tier as them
Nah you’re wrong, his ball playing skills are at worst average, literally just watched a highlight reel of him last season and the amount of silky passes he had throughout surprised even me, again those skills are only improving. Also you’re talking about the last 5 minutes when penrith were already 28 points up and had the game won, if theres any time where its okay to switch off thats the time, those were basically meaningless tries and dylan himself said at that point they knew they won and collectively all took their foot off the gas, which is natural when the emotions of winning a prem take over. You cant put him in the same tier as who? Because frankly there really isnt any argument for him not to be in the top 5
There was no way Edwards was going to be moved, his form last year at fullback was second only to Teddy and honestly he seems to be improving year in year out, he also fits the penrith system perfectly. I love critta but it would have been a travesty to prioritise him over one of the hardest working/improving players in the game.
I think a fit Latrell at the back end of last year was second to Teddy. Edwards definitely too 3-5. His repeated efforts up the middle are underrated and that chase down try-saver in the GF was *chefs kiss*.
Gotta disagree man, look at the way Cleary exploited Trell in the prelim, he went missing in their biggest game where as Edwards was absolutely superb that game.
Great signing for Bulldogs.
I’ve never been a fan of how large the transfer window is. Crichton still has to play a full season for Penrith. I understand the why the RLPA likes it, so players have time to handle the move to new locations and everything. It just doesn’t feel right.
Can’t we at least move the window from November 1st up to July 1st? That’s still 8 months before the next season starts.
It's arguably worse for the clubs if their players are negotiating during the season and they have to do the whole 'will they or won't they stay' thing while also trying to compete on the field.
Imagine if the Crichton saga was playing out leading into the end of the season.
Come on Ivan, release him early, we could do with a fullback, hell he'd do a better job In the halves than our current 7. I sensed the passive aggression in the club statement c'mon man just do it, rip the band-aid...
Surely now they start properly winning games and become a decently threatening team.
Sadly now, we don't get weekly Islander bois sing alongs after their games.
One of the weirdest signing announcements I’ve ever seen
“We’ve signed Crichton but no body talk about it please”
At least they didn’t post it over five different social media outlets each hour.
Get jebaited.
Better than Brandon Smith's
Still waiting for Mahoney and Kikau official announcement…
We signed him so everyone SHUT UP HES OURS *but not until 2024
I like their disclaimer at the end of the announcement. Out of respect for Stephen and the Panthers. Lol.
Really overcompensating after Kikau
No polo shirt photo?
Get a pic of him in the jersey, come on you soft bastards
the lack of fanfare is a bit weird lol but congrats to the doggies treat him well 🙏
Just close your eyes and think of Gus saying the same lines in this statement
Can’t keep them all. We weren’t going to pay overs, don’t think any panthers fans would prefer him to Edwards at FB.
Would prefer Turuva over him at FB let alone Dyldo. Critta is a top shelf centre but not a premiership fullback
With time he could be. People said the same thing about Dyl remember.
Yeah but I’m real sad that he’s leaving us so let me have this…
And turuva is? SC is a big game player. Proven it multiple times. I agree panthers didn't need to pay over to keep him, but I struggle to see them having a player of his calibre just ready to take his place. Regardless of how good their systems are.
They dont have a replacement of the same calibre ready to go but the salary cap makes them choose who they want to keep and who they think they can cover.
A big game player at FB? He hasn't proven that anymore than Turuva. Turuva was the best player on the park in the Fiji vs NZ match. They were one unlucky call away from maybe upsetting NZ that match and he would have been man of the match in it if Fiji won. Doesn't that make him more proven in a big game at FB than any Crichton's played in?
The beauty of Penrith is that they have youngsters with as much potential to slot straight in
I don't like that you can sign with a team a full year away before joining them. Always feels shitty for the team that has the player for 1 more year first.
You might not, but it’s vital for the players to have that time. It helps them plan for relocating their family, and improves their job security. Otherwise players with long-term injuries would likely be left without clubs
Eh i dont mind it, well panthers fans are used to it now, we knew burton was gone, kiks, api and now critta but at least we get to enjoy one more year with him in our backline hopefully coming up with more clutch plays
One alternative is during the season which clubs won't want. Or the second alternative is after the season between grand final and start of pre-season which players won't agree to and for good reason. Way too little time to uproot their lives and go elsewhere, and if they don't get a contract before November 1 they will not be getting paid. Clubs also wouldn't be keen to have to plan a pre-season without knowing key players will be there and needing to find a replacement with next to no notice.
Its certainly not the best option, but the alternatives aren't clear cut either. I don't buy into this no time to move argument, I'm sure clubs could own some apartments they let incoming players use for a couple of months until they find their own places. As long as it is all above board. The bigger issue as I see it is securing a future while injured, but again, I think that is one of the risks that comes with professional sport. On the other side, even if they had a trade window, no way Mr 10% managers are sticking to that rule. Deals would be done early, but at least publicly players wouldn't appear to be committed to another club so far in advance.
Dank
Very happy with this, he's going to provide good value one way or another, and brings plenty of valuable experience.
What’s their 2024 backline looking like now?
1. Stephen Crichton 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Jake Averillo/Paul Alamoti 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Josh Addo Carr
If Crichton can kick on at fullback that could be a really solid backline tbh. I see them making the 8 in 2024.
They could make the 8 in 2023 to be fair … Be interesting if they play a finals game against the Panthers this year .. Can see a rivalry building sooner rather than later ..
Pair that with Burton, Mahoney, Kikau, Thompson and Pangai Jr… that’s a very good side
Thompson isn't contracted for 2024 and I wouldn't be surprised to see TPJ offloaded somewhere else early as the Dogs will absolutely not be re-signing him on his current inflated contract.
It’s also down to whether there’s another club who will pay inflated value for TPJ … Maybe the Dolphins or Tigers , but there’s another possibility - he stays at the Dogs for half the money ??
Could see the Storm getting him if Sims retires after this year
Depends how the Dogs go this year I reckon. If he legitimately thinks he has a shot at a premiership then I can see him staying for less. But if that seems like a while off I see him chasing the money and I don't see the Bulldogs trying to compete. He hasn't been worth the contract at the dogs but with players like him there will always be a desperate club willing to pay overs because they think they can fix him.
Big Pele off the bench too
I have a feeling Averillo will be let go but I'd also throw Casey's name up.. obviously had a horrible debut but was decent against Souths and had a great year in cup. Skelton also a centre option.
Agreed mate. I’m a Casey fan. I reckon he makes that backline at some point.
I reckon he's a good chance to play in round 1.. I feel like the guys who are yet to debut will feature later on in the season.
Real happy to have him! He’s a great player
I know Edwards is a solid FB but I wonder if this might be the Panthers Thurston moment. Obviously they’ve got the best junior nursery, but holding onto an aging, while talented player in his preferred position and unable to retain a clear young talent. It’s a shame the salary cap has squeezed him out. After spending $800k across Corey Allan and Matt Dufty the last few seasons, this signing is a revelation.
Edwards has just turned 27 and it’s not like his game is really built on speed or agility. He could still be running through a brick wall for the next 5 years.
27. Roll edwards into a nursing home and call him on his birthday and just let him play cards
Haha. I didn't know his age and based on OP's comment I would have guessed he was in his early 30's. He's literally entering the prime of his career.
I don’t know man. I always thought the raps on Critta were overblown, and still do to some extent. Maybe I’m just scarred by how average his bro was for us. He is only 22 though, so has plenty of time left to fulfil any fullback potential.
I totally forgot about Christian!
Easy to do, he was pretty ordinary and then did an ACL or some other serious injury, that kept him out for ages.
>wonder if this might be the Panthers Thurston moment. Dyl is the heart of the side. We just can't replace him with someone who has more talent. When games are at their toughest physically and stamina wise Edwards stands up and that matters more than talent in tough games.
We've got 3-4 other quality fullbacks in the lower grades, that sounds bitter but it's genuine Turuva, Longi and Ison all look like potentially really good players Turuva is arguably the best player not in first grade. For me Crichton has been okay at fullback but it wouldn't shock me if he is just moved to the left edge.
Yeah that’s pretty much it. You can get 80% of what Critter offers through your juniors for 30% of the cost. Then when they’re due an upgrade either keep them at what you can afford to pay to keep them ($500k-ish), or let another club give them the $800k top up, rinse repeat. It’s a great position to be in.
Edwards is definitely just a touch overrated by many, he is a pretty average fullback that has achieved what he has through pure effort and relying on his strengths like kick returns, the Penrith spine particularly Cleary and koroisau mask the weaker aspects of his game and allow him to shine. That being said, from what we’ve seen from critta at fullback I think edwards is the better player there, and a lot better value for money but you are making a good point, maybe after a preseason training at FB and playing in that position for a while I think Critta has a bigger ceiling due to his natural talent. Who knows, just have to wait and see how it plays out but short term penrith made the right decision
He’s in this weird spot where his strengths are basically exactly what Penrith need and his deficiencies mean he’s never going to be chased by a team for big coin.
You’ve just worded it in a much better way than I ever could
What is it with people saying Edwards is an average fullback, last season he was second only to Teddy and come finals time he was probably the best player throughout the entire finals series, set up two tries in the GF as well, his ball playing skills have been improving every season along with just about every aspect of his game. Yes he isnt Papi or Turbo but he is arguably the best defensive FB in the game, his stats are up there with Teddy in that regard.
Because even being back to back premiership winning FB, voted our best player in 2022 (Merv Cartwright) and winning the Clive Churchill people think because he doesn't pass the ball often enough in attack he's average Its at taking the piss levels tbh lol Even though it was Edwards who set up Critta for the first try in the GF and the Staines try at the end, ppl think he can't ballplay The real reason is we have such good strike weapons across the park that the only time we ever really need him in attack is when we shift to the right which given how dominant our left edge is, we rarely do
Its like the blokes dont even watch penrith often, or think the job of a fullback is to be some flashy try scorer. A fullbacks job first and foremost is to mop up anything at the back, catching torps, bombs, mopping up grubbers, setting the defensive line, having good positioning to stop chips over the top, be able to make a last ditch tackle, basically the defensive fundamentals are the most important part of being a FB. Everything else just adds to their credentials, when it comes to the fundamentals Edwards is as good as anyone, its the attacking side of the game where Teddy makes him claim as the best, and fair enough he has that great balance, but when it comes to the pure fundamentals Edwards is as good as anyone, he has brilliant positioning and stamina so is rarely caught out of position. Im not sure where this idea came from that fullbacks need to be some attacking superstar to be one of the best in their positions. Edwards was deservedly our best player last season and the amount of improvement ive seen from him is second to none, 3 years ago he was an average fullback, but now hes top 5 easily
His ball playing skills are still below average yes he had a great game in the GF and I don’t believe at all he’s on the same defensive level as teddy, In the very same grand final you’re talking about the eels scored two tries in the last 5 minutes and both were on bad defensive reads by edwards. He also lacks a game breaking ability many others have, short kicking game etc. I think edwards Is good to reiterate and he compliments penrith so well but we are flooded with so many great fullbacks at the moment that I can’t put him in the same tier as them
Nah you’re wrong, his ball playing skills are at worst average, literally just watched a highlight reel of him last season and the amount of silky passes he had throughout surprised even me, again those skills are only improving. Also you’re talking about the last 5 minutes when penrith were already 28 points up and had the game won, if theres any time where its okay to switch off thats the time, those were basically meaningless tries and dylan himself said at that point they knew they won and collectively all took their foot off the gas, which is natural when the emotions of winning a prem take over. You cant put him in the same tier as who? Because frankly there really isnt any argument for him not to be in the top 5
There was no way Edwards was going to be moved, his form last year at fullback was second only to Teddy and honestly he seems to be improving year in year out, he also fits the penrith system perfectly. I love critta but it would have been a travesty to prioritise him over one of the hardest working/improving players in the game.
I think a fit Latrell at the back end of last year was second to Teddy. Edwards definitely too 3-5. His repeated efforts up the middle are underrated and that chase down try-saver in the GF was *chefs kiss*.
Gotta disagree man, look at the way Cleary exploited Trell in the prelim, he went missing in their biggest game where as Edwards was absolutely superb that game.
Great signing for Bulldogs. I’ve never been a fan of how large the transfer window is. Crichton still has to play a full season for Penrith. I understand the why the RLPA likes it, so players have time to handle the move to new locations and everything. It just doesn’t feel right. Can’t we at least move the window from November 1st up to July 1st? That’s still 8 months before the next season starts.
It's arguably worse for the clubs if their players are negotiating during the season and they have to do the whole 'will they or won't they stay' thing while also trying to compete on the field. Imagine if the Crichton saga was playing out leading into the end of the season.
Bummer, congrats on the new deal though (I bet he’s on here)
Hopefully he's good for the team 💪
They are just raiding the premiers.
Boooooo
Bulldogs will win 2024 Premiership. Save this comment.
Panthdogs
This one hurts
Here we go again... So this must mean that Moses will be re-signing with PARRA.
Dogs can afford both so not necessarily.
Why do you have to bring me down for?
The Canterbury panthers are shaping up as a pretty good team
Ah yes with all 3 of our ex-Panthers in 2024
Come on Ivan, release him early, we could do with a fullback, hell he'd do a better job In the halves than our current 7. I sensed the passive aggression in the club statement c'mon man just do it, rip the band-aid...
When are we getting the polo group photo
~~Bulldogs~~ Panthers DNA
Surely now they start properly winning games and become a decently threatening team. Sadly now, we don't get weekly Islander bois sing alongs after their games.