Fox stirring the pot
CIRALDO’S FIRST MOVE
Panthers assistant Cameron Ciraldo could reportedly make Origin centre Stephen Crichton his first Bulldogs recruit.
Ciraldo signed a five-year deal beginning from 2023 and The Australian’s Brent Read believes Crichton’s desire to play fullback could see him depart Penrith.
“Stephen Crichton would love to play fullback. Canterbury need a fullback... he is the one guy who would not surprise me at all if we see him at Canterbury in 2024,” Read said on
Triple M.
“In 2024 they have so much salary cap room it is not funny.”
Read also revealed there are no clauses surrounding Ciraldo’s move which restrict him from poaching Penrith players.
Therefore, the 37-year-old could poach a number of Panthers who come off contract come November 1, including Crichton, Liam Martin and Scott Sorensen.
“If you remember when Wayne left Souths to go to the Dolphins, Souths made a rule that Wayne couldn’t poach any of their players,” Read said.
“I rang the Panthers, I spoke to Brian Fletcher the chief executive, and whether they would put any rules around Cameron approaching your players.
“They said no, we aren’t going to do that, we trust him, he is a genuine guy, he has been here a long time, we don’t think he would do the wrong thing by us.”
Read also explained that during Ciraldo’s negotiations with rival clubs, the rookie coach hinted that Crichton could be persuaded to make a move with him.
“When Cameron was talking to other clubs, there was some talk that Stephen Crichton was talking to other clubs,” Read said.
“There was a bit of talk that, not Crichton would come with him, but that he would be one bloke who would be tempted to follow him.”
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