Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[sleeve]

I think we all expected Critchtons money to be around that figure.No doubt Staggs will be in a similar bracket.A lot of cashed up clubs looking for quality players,and i expect crazy money to be offered everywhere.I can't believe the dogs after already paying top dollars for players,still have money in the bank.The Tigers recruiting young talent,is the way to go,we will always at times have to pay overs,but the strategy is sound.

He was never going to leave we did well to push up his price

So true but as the old saying goes--I's not over till the perfectly proportioned person sings,.( PC correct ? Ha!)

 

[Russell]

How come simpkins not been in recent photos?

I was at the club’s training on Thursday, Simpkin is there. Had a good chat with him and he mentioned that he’s very likely to be either starting or coming off the bench in round 1. Looks in great shape atb the moment

Cheers @Everything-WT - to clarify your talking about Jake Simpkin not Tuki Smipkins? And is the round 1 start because he's rated over Little? Or because Doueihi out and he's playing 5/8?

Who is this Little (is it because he is small) and when did we sign him, if he is too small, what position does he play. Lol.

 

[Cairnstigers]

I think we all expected Critchtons money to be around that figure.No doubt Staggs will be in a similar bracket.A lot of cashed up clubs looking for quality players,and i expect crazy money to be offered everywhere.I can't believe the dogs after already paying top dollars for players,still have money in the bank.The Tigers recruiting young talent,is the way to go,we will always at times have to pay overs,but the strategy is sound.

He was never going to leave we did well to push up his price

We know what your fetish is

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

![alt text](Stephen Crichton’s contract standoff costs Penrith a pretty penny
Many thought Stephen Crichton was crazy to walk away from a $500K handshake deal, but the move is about to pay off big time.

The NRL’s next millionaire could be made this week with the Penrith Panthers set to table a deal that will make Stephen Crichton rugby league’s richest centre.

Crichton will be offered a $10,000-a-game upgrade to his existing contract as part of a new deal that is expected to be worth $2.25 million over three years.

Hoping to end the contract saga that began with a revelation that “the next big thing” reneged on a $500,000 handshake deal, the Panthers confirmed that a revised contract had been finalised and would be put to Crichton as early as this week.


Stephen Crichton is poised to become the highest paid centre in the game. Picture: Brett Costello
“It has been a bit of a process since the grand final but we are almost there,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary (inset) said.

“It (managing the roster) has been a challenge for us after a successful year that came as a bit of a surprise, but we are confident that he won’t be going anywhere.”

It is understood the $2.25 million will include a $250,000 upgrade to his current contract which is set to expire at the end of this year.


Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was confident the club would retain Crichton. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
The $750,000-a-year deal will leapfrog Crichton over Roosters powerhouse Joey Manu ($700,000) as the NRL’s highest-paid full-time centre in a stunning achievement for a 20-year-old who has played just 26 NRL games.

The Panthers are confident the new deal will be enough to fend off interest from a long line of rival clubs, led by the cashed-up Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

 

Yesterday at 9:38 PM


)

Chuck 800 on the table

And a 4 year deal

David got one so why not go for it

 

[Fade.To.Black]

![alt text](Stephen Crichton’s contract standoff costs Penrith a pretty penny
Many thought Stephen Crichton was crazy to walk away from a $500K handshake deal, but the move is about to pay off big time.

The NRL’s next millionaire could be made this week with the Penrith Panthers set to table a deal that will make Stephen Crichton rugby league’s richest centre.

Crichton will be offered a $10,000-a-game upgrade to his existing contract as part of a new deal that is expected to be worth $2.25 million over three years.

Hoping to end the contract saga that began with a revelation that “the next big thing” reneged on a $500,000 handshake deal, the Panthers confirmed that a revised contract had been finalised and would be put to Crichton as early as this week.


Stephen Crichton is poised to become the highest paid centre in the game. Picture: Brett Costello
“It has been a bit of a process since the grand final but we are almost there,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary (inset) said.

“It (managing the roster) has been a challenge for us after a successful year that came as a bit of a surprise, but we are confident that he won’t be going anywhere.”

It is understood the $2.25 million will include a $250,000 upgrade to his current contract which is set to expire at the end of this year.


Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was confident the club would retain Crichton. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
The $750,000-a-year deal will leapfrog Crichton over Roosters powerhouse Joey Manu ($700,000) as the NRL’s highest-paid full-time centre in a stunning achievement for a 20-year-old who has played just 26 NRL games.

The Panthers are confident the new deal will be enough to fend off interest from a long line of rival clubs, led by the cashed-up Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

 

Yesterday at 9:38 PM


)

Chuck 800 on the table

Save the money and throw a mill at staggs.
Play him at fb

The bloke did his ACL a few months ago. Huge gamble to do that. Not too keen on that decision just yet given our hideous past of paying massive money for blokes that barely got on the field year after year. Not to mention we supposedly signed Laurie to fill fullback.

 

[Aubanon]

Lots of people saying McInnes would be lock for us but is that what the club thinks? I’m pretty certain he wants to play hooker over lock.

Club definitely see 13 as a priority. Adam Hartigan and coach see the six again rule as drastically changing the way the game is played in the forwards.

I think the theme going forward from all clubs will be a ball player rather than a 3rd prob at 13.

 

[JC99]

![alt text](Stephen Crichton’s contract standoff costs Penrith a pretty penny
Many thought Stephen Crichton was crazy to walk away from a $500K handshake deal, but the move is about to pay off big time.

The NRL’s next millionaire could be made this week with the Penrith Panthers set to table a deal that will make Stephen Crichton rugby league’s richest centre.

Crichton will be offered a $10,000-a-game upgrade to his existing contract as part of a new deal that is expected to be worth $2.25 million over three years.

Hoping to end the contract saga that began with a revelation that “the next big thing” reneged on a $500,000 handshake deal, the Panthers confirmed that a revised contract had been finalised and would be put to Crichton as early as this week.


Stephen Crichton is poised to become the highest paid centre in the game. Picture: Brett Costello
“It has been a bit of a process since the grand final but we are almost there,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary (inset) said.

“It (managing the roster) has been a challenge for us after a successful year that came as a bit of a surprise, but we are confident that he won’t be going anywhere.”

It is understood the $2.25 million will include a $250,000 upgrade to his current contract which is set to expire at the end of this year.


Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was confident the club would retain Crichton. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
The $750,000-a-year deal will leapfrog Crichton over Roosters powerhouse Joey Manu ($700,000) as the NRL’s highest-paid full-time centre in a stunning achievement for a 20-year-old who has played just 26 NRL games.

The Panthers are confident the new deal will be enough to fend off interest from a long line of rival clubs, led by the cashed-up Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

 

Yesterday at 9:38 PM


)

Chuck 800 on the table

Save the money and throw a mill at staggs.
Play him at fb

The bloke did his ACL a few months ago. Huge gamble to do that. Not too keen on that decision just yet given our hideous past of paying massive money for blokes that barely got on the field year after year. Not to mention we supposedly signed Laurie to fill fullback.

Plus Staggs isn't a fullback at all ?

 

[frullens]

How come simpkins not been in recent photos?

I was at the club’s training on Thursday, Simpkin is there. Had a good chat with him and he mentioned that he’s very likely to be either starting or coming off the bench in round 1. Looks in great shape atb the moment

Cheers @Everything-WT - to clarify your talking about Jake Simpkin not Tuki Smipkins? And is the round 1 start because he's rated over Little? Or because Doueihi out and he's playing 5/8?

Who is this Little (is it because he is small) and when did we sign him, if he is too small, what position does he play. Lol.

Sorry my autocorrect doesn't recognise the wests tigers players surnames. I'll speak with Samsung and try and get out updated ?

at least I ģot simpkins and simpkin correct, and I actually checked the spelling of Doueihi before posting, as everyone butcher's that one. But sorry I got Liddle incorrect. ?

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

slight leaning to McInnes but Brandon Smith would still be great either could do a good job at hooker / lock.
Think Simpkin will be the real deal by the end if the year probably leaves Liddle looking for another club due to being off contract, still a good hooker though

Long term McInnes would be a safer purchase hey. Bwandon is top shelf but may not have a long career given his kamikaze approach and injury history...

McInnes is not a big unit,but he's tough as shown by a head that looks like a punching bag,i Like his speed and agression,but i'm concerned when a coach makes little effort to keep one of the better players in a weak side. Why did the dogs let JR go ?The same with Mbye?

Who knows... This is the same club who gave up Lucy for nothing

Who also had a chance to get a swap for Lucy but missed it lol

Dragooons are a bunch of derry's

Yeah feel like everyone somehow forgets about the dragons when talking about the spoon this year. Frizell gone, hunt and norman misfiring in the halves, mcinnes and dufty seemingly not getting extensions. Not to mention the risk that is Jack bird. Might be that Cam McInnes is just unhappy with the state of the club while at the same time Griffin is looking to clean out the team and rebuild his own (i.e Madge with Clearys refuse).

Their only hope is Lomax and some young rookies who have barely played. Even Dufty is hot and cold. Bottom 4 material for sure

Griffin can coach though. Difference between him and Mary. I wouldn't write them off

Yeah he will be good for them but like madhe I think he will need to mould the squad to how he likes them, so will he a development year for them

Yeah I think Griffin can coach also, but there'll be a year or two in the wilderness for them until he can bring the kids through and pick up a few signings.

 

[cochise]

Lots of people saying McInnes would be lock for us but is that what the club thinks? I’m pretty certain he wants to play hooker over lock.

Club definitely see 13 as a priority. Adam Hartigan and coach see the six again rule as drastically changing the way the game is played in the forwards.

I think the theme going forward from all clubs will be a ball player rather than a 3rd prob at 13.

It is our number 1 priority.

 

[sleeve]

![alt text](Stephen Crichton’s contract standoff costs Penrith a pretty penny
Many thought Stephen Crichton was crazy to walk away from a $500K handshake deal, but the move is about to pay off big time.

The NRL’s next millionaire could be made this week with the Penrith Panthers set to table a deal that will make Stephen Crichton rugby league’s richest centre.

Crichton will be offered a $10,000-a-game upgrade to his existing contract as part of a new deal that is expected to be worth $2.25 million over three years.

Hoping to end the contract saga that began with a revelation that “the next big thing” reneged on a $500,000 handshake deal, the Panthers confirmed that a revised contract had been finalised and would be put to Crichton as early as this week.


Stephen Crichton is poised to become the highest paid centre in the game. Picture: Brett Costello
“It has been a bit of a process since the grand final but we are almost there,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary (inset) said.

“It (managing the roster) has been a challenge for us after a successful year that came as a bit of a surprise, but we are confident that he won’t be going anywhere.”

It is understood the $2.25 million will include a $250,000 upgrade to his current contract which is set to expire at the end of this year.


Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was confident the club would retain Crichton. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
The $750,000-a-year deal will leapfrog Crichton over Roosters powerhouse Joey Manu ($700,000) as the NRL’s highest-paid full-time centre in a stunning achievement for a 20-year-old who has played just 26 NRL games.

The Panthers are confident the new deal will be enough to fend off interest from a long line of rival clubs, led by the cashed-up Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

 

Yesterday at 9:38 PM


)

Chuck 800 on the table

Save the money and throw a mill at staggs.
Play him at fb

The bloke did his ACL a few months ago. Huge gamble to do that. Not too keen on that decision just yet given our hideous past of paying massive money for blokes that barely got on the field year after year. Not to mention we supposedly signed Laurie to fill fullback.

MY Thoughts exactly, I think Crichton could be good anywhere in the backline,we have KEI and others who are promising centers.Staggs is too risky,and not needed.

 

[tiger05premier]

![alt text](Stephen Crichton’s contract standoff costs Penrith a pretty penny
Many thought Stephen Crichton was crazy to walk away from a $500K handshake deal, but the move is about to pay off big time.

The NRL’s next millionaire could be made this week with the Penrith Panthers set to table a deal that will make Stephen Crichton rugby league’s richest centre.

Crichton will be offered a $10,000-a-game upgrade to his existing contract as part of a new deal that is expected to be worth $2.25 million over three years.

Hoping to end the contract saga that began with a revelation that “the next big thing” reneged on a $500,000 handshake deal, the Panthers confirmed that a revised contract had been finalised and would be put to Crichton as early as this week.


Stephen Crichton is poised to become the highest paid centre in the game. Picture: Brett Costello
“It has been a bit of a process since the grand final but we are almost there,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary (inset) said.

“It (managing the roster) has been a challenge for us after a successful year that came as a bit of a surprise, but we are confident that he won’t be going anywhere.”

It is understood the $2.25 million will include a $250,000 upgrade to his current contract which is set to expire at the end of this year.


Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was confident the club would retain Crichton. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
The $750,000-a-year deal will leapfrog Crichton over Roosters powerhouse Joey Manu ($700,000) as the NRL’s highest-paid full-time centre in a stunning achievement for a 20-year-old who has played just 26 NRL games.

The Panthers are confident the new deal will be enough to fend off interest from a long line of rival clubs, led by the cashed-up Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

 

Yesterday at 9:38 PM


)

Chuck 800 on the table

And a 4 year deal

David got one so why not go for it

He would certainly be worth it

 

[cktiger]

![alt text](Stephen Crichton’s contract standoff costs Penrith a pretty penny
Many thought Stephen Crichton was crazy to walk away from a $500K handshake deal, but the move is about to pay off big time.

The NRL’s next millionaire could be made this week with the Penrith Panthers set to table a deal that will make Stephen Crichton rugby league’s richest centre.

Crichton will be offered a $10,000-a-game upgrade to his existing contract as part of a new deal that is expected to be worth $2.25 million over three years.

Hoping to end the contract saga that began with a revelation that “the next big thing” reneged on a $500,000 handshake deal, the Panthers confirmed that a revised contract had been finalised and would be put to Crichton as early as this week.


Stephen Crichton is poised to become the highest paid centre in the game. Picture: Brett Costello
“It has been a bit of a process since the grand final but we are almost there,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary (inset) said.

“It (managing the roster) has been a challenge for us after a successful year that came as a bit of a surprise, but we are confident that he won’t be going anywhere.”

It is understood the $2.25 million will include a $250,000 upgrade to his current contract which is set to expire at the end of this year.


Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was confident the club would retain Crichton. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
The $750,000-a-year deal will leapfrog Crichton over Roosters powerhouse Joey Manu ($700,000) as the NRL’s highest-paid full-time centre in a stunning achievement for a 20-year-old who has played just 26 NRL games.

The Panthers are confident the new deal will be enough to fend off interest from a long line of rival clubs, led by the cashed-up Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

 

Yesterday at 9:38 PM


)

Chuck 800 on the table

Save the money and throw a mill at staggs.
Play him at fb

The bloke did his ACL a few months ago. Huge gamble to do that. Not too keen on that decision just yet given our hideous past of paying massive money for blokes that barely got on the field year after year. Not to mention we supposedly signed Laurie to fill fullback.

MY Thoughts exactly, I think Crichton could be good anywhere in the backline,we have KEI and others who are promising centers.Staggs is too risky,and not needed.

All this talk about Kei, a young kid who might never make the step up, and now choosing him over Staggs?
You're either joking or related to Kei.

 

[AJ1]

![alt text](Stephen Crichton’s contract standoff costs Penrith a pretty penny
Many thought Stephen Crichton was crazy to walk away from a $500K handshake deal, but the move is about to pay off big time.

The NRL’s next millionaire could be made this week with the Penrith Panthers set to table a deal that will make Stephen Crichton rugby league’s richest centre.

Crichton will be offered a $10,000-a-game upgrade to his existing contract as part of a new deal that is expected to be worth $2.25 million over three years.

Hoping to end the contract saga that began with a revelation that “the next big thing” reneged on a $500,000 handshake deal, the Panthers confirmed that a revised contract had been finalised and would be put to Crichton as early as this week.


Stephen Crichton is poised to become the highest paid centre in the game. Picture: Brett Costello
“It has been a bit of a process since the grand final but we are almost there,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary (inset) said.

“It (managing the roster) has been a challenge for us after a successful year that came as a bit of a surprise, but we are confident that he won’t be going anywhere.”

It is understood the $2.25 million will include a $250,000 upgrade to his current contract which is set to expire at the end of this year.


Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was confident the club would retain Crichton. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
The $750,000-a-year deal will leapfrog Crichton over Roosters powerhouse Joey Manu ($700,000) as the NRL’s highest-paid full-time centre in a stunning achievement for a 20-year-old who has played just 26 NRL games.

The Panthers are confident the new deal will be enough to fend off interest from a long line of rival clubs, led by the cashed-up Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

 

Yesterday at 9:38 PM


)

Chuck 800 on the table

Save the money and throw a mill at staggs.
Play him at fb

The bloke did his ACL a few months ago. Huge gamble to do that. Not too keen on that decision just yet given our hideous past of paying massive money for blokes that barely got on the field year after year. Not to mention we supposedly signed Laurie to fill fullback.

MY Thoughts exactly, I think Crichton could be good anywhere in the backline,we have KEI and others who are promising centers.Staggs is too risky,and not needed.

Banking on unproven centres is more risky than picking up Staggs on a marquee contract.
Did Roosters go cold on Teddy after his two serious injuries when he was just starting out?

 

[LeichhardtTiger]

![alt text](Stephen Crichton’s contract standoff costs Penrith a pretty penny
Many thought Stephen Crichton was crazy to walk away from a $500K handshake deal, but the move is about to pay off big time.

The NRL’s next millionaire could be made this week with the Penrith Panthers set to table a deal that will make Stephen Crichton rugby league’s richest centre.

Crichton will be offered a $10,000-a-game upgrade to his existing contract as part of a new deal that is expected to be worth $2.25 million over three years.

Hoping to end the contract saga that began with a revelation that “the next big thing” reneged on a $500,000 handshake deal, the Panthers confirmed that a revised contract had been finalised and would be put to Crichton as early as this week.


Stephen Crichton is poised to become the highest paid centre in the game. Picture: Brett Costello
“It has been a bit of a process since the grand final but we are almost there,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary (inset) said.

“It (managing the roster) has been a challenge for us after a successful year that came as a bit of a surprise, but we are confident that he won’t be going anywhere.”

It is understood the $2.25 million will include a $250,000 upgrade to his current contract which is set to expire at the end of this year.


Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was confident the club would retain Crichton. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
The $750,000-a-year deal will leapfrog Crichton over Roosters powerhouse Joey Manu ($700,000) as the NRL’s highest-paid full-time centre in a stunning achievement for a 20-year-old who has played just 26 NRL games.

The Panthers are confident the new deal will be enough to fend off interest from a long line of rival clubs, led by the cashed-up Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

 

Yesterday at 9:38 PM


)

Chuck 800 on the table

Save the money and throw a mill at staggs.
Play him at fb

The bloke did his ACL a few months ago. Huge gamble to do that. Not too keen on that decision just yet given our hideous past of paying massive money for blokes that barely got on the field year after year. Not to mention we supposedly signed Laurie to fill fullback.

MY Thoughts exactly, I think Crichton could be good anywhere in the backline,we have KEI and others who are promising centers.Staggs is too risky,and not needed.

Banking on unproven centres is more risky than picking up Staggs on a marquee contract.
Did Roosters go cold on Teddy after his two serious injuries when he was just starting out?

The Roosters were more concerned over Teddy's teeth straightening recovery than his dicky knees.

 

[sleeve]

![alt text](Stephen Crichton’s contract standoff costs Penrith a pretty penny
Many thought Stephen Crichton was crazy to walk away from a $500K handshake deal, but the move is about to pay off big time.

The NRL’s next millionaire could be made this week with the Penrith Panthers set to table a deal that will make Stephen Crichton rugby league’s richest centre.

Crichton will be offered a $10,000-a-game upgrade to his existing contract as part of a new deal that is expected to be worth $2.25 million over three years.

Hoping to end the contract saga that began with a revelation that “the next big thing” reneged on a $500,000 handshake deal, the Panthers confirmed that a revised contract had been finalised and would be put to Crichton as early as this week.


Stephen Crichton is poised to become the highest paid centre in the game. Picture: Brett Costello
“It has been a bit of a process since the grand final but we are almost there,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary (inset) said.

“It (managing the roster) has been a challenge for us after a successful year that came as a bit of a surprise, but we are confident that he won’t be going anywhere.”

It is understood the $2.25 million will include a $250,000 upgrade to his current contract which is set to expire at the end of this year.


Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was confident the club would retain Crichton. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
The $750,000-a-year deal will leapfrog Crichton over Roosters powerhouse Joey Manu ($700,000) as the NRL’s highest-paid full-time centre in a stunning achievement for a 20-year-old who has played just 26 NRL games.

The Panthers are confident the new deal will be enough to fend off interest from a long line of rival clubs, led by the cashed-up Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

 

Yesterday at 9:38 PM


)

Chuck 800 on the table

Save the money and throw a mill at staggs.
Play him at fb

The bloke did his ACL a few months ago. Huge gamble to do that. Not too keen on that decision just yet given our hideous past of paying massive money for blokes that barely got on the field year after year. Not to mention we supposedly signed Laurie to fill fullback.

MY Thoughts exactly, I think Crichton could be good anywhere in the backline,we have KEI and others who are promising centers.Staggs is too risky,and not needed.

All this talk about Kei, a young kid who might never make the step up, and now choosing him over Staggs?
You're either joking or related to Kei.

It's all about dollars.$7 to 800.000 for Staggs who is a centre.We don't know how JTJ and JL will perform.We have a couple of very promising centres in CC and Kei can play mid year.Is Staggs good,-- yes.With acl injuries is he a risk for the money-- YES.Remember,McQueen,JR,Packer,nearly 2 mil sitting on the sidelines for years.Would a fit Staggs be a gun -- yes, but he is $500,000 dearer then Kei.

 

[JC99]

Angus Crichton would be the best player for us to target next. Then McInnes IMO.
As for S Crichton and Staggs, I'd honestly prefer Staggs. IIRC someone on here once mentioned he was carving up in Group 10 or 11 A Grade for Wellington - as a 16 year old.
But then again for that price tag we could be aiming for Joey Manu instead.

Read today that roosters are keen on keeping Crichton, hope we have a chat to him though

 

[Furious1]

I think we all expected Critchtons money to be around that figure.No doubt Staggs will be in a similar bracket.A lot of cashed up clubs looking for quality players,and i expect crazy money to be offered everywhere.I can't believe the dogs after already paying top dollars for players,still have money in the bank.The Tigers recruiting young talent,is the way to go,we will always at times have to pay overs,but the strategy is sound.

**He was never going to leave we did well to push up his price**

Apparently we didn't do anything.......it was the cashed up Bulldogs. How they would still be cashed up is beyond me.

 

[Furious1]

Lots of people saying McInnes would be lock for us but is that what the club thinks? I’m pretty certain he wants to play hooker over lock.

Club definitely see 13 as a priority. Adam Hartigan and coach see the six again rule as drastically changing the way the game is played in the forwards.

I think the theme going forward from all clubs will be a ball player rather than a 3rd prob at 13.

Ahhhhhh back to the future. Its a funny thing this game, everything old eventually is new again. Someone bring back the "run around"

 

[happy_tiger]

![alt text](Stephen Crichton’s contract standoff costs Penrith a pretty penny
Many thought Stephen Crichton was crazy to walk away from a $500K handshake deal, but the move is about to pay off big time.

The NRL’s next millionaire could be made this week with the Penrith Panthers set to table a deal that will make Stephen Crichton rugby league’s richest centre.

Crichton will be offered a $10,000-a-game upgrade to his existing contract as part of a new deal that is expected to be worth $2.25 million over three years.

Hoping to end the contract saga that began with a revelation that “the next big thing” reneged on a $500,000 handshake deal, the Panthers confirmed that a revised contract had been finalised and would be put to Crichton as early as this week.


Stephen Crichton is poised to become the highest paid centre in the game. Picture: Brett Costello
“It has been a bit of a process since the grand final but we are almost there,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary (inset) said.

“It (managing the roster) has been a challenge for us after a successful year that came as a bit of a surprise, but we are confident that he won’t be going anywhere.”

It is understood the $2.25 million will include a $250,000 upgrade to his current contract which is set to expire at the end of this year.


Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was confident the club would retain Crichton. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
The $750,000-a-year deal will leapfrog Crichton over Roosters powerhouse Joey Manu ($700,000) as the NRL’s highest-paid full-time centre in a stunning achievement for a 20-year-old who has played just 26 NRL games.

The Panthers are confident the new deal will be enough to fend off interest from a long line of rival clubs, led by the cashed-up Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

 

Yesterday at 9:38 PM


)

Chuck 800 on the table

And a 4 year deal

Or we could just stay away from him and get ourselves a backrower for the same money ....