Bulldogs winger speaks on Crichton being awarded captaincy

Canterbury Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz has spoken out about the club’s captaincy move, which saw new recruit Stephen Crichton take over.
The three-time premiership winner with the Penrith Panthers will succeed former Panthers center Matt Burton and hooker Reed Mahoney as Cameron Ciraldo shakes up the leadership group.
In a startling disclosure, Crichton has only played 99 games but has learned from seasoned leaders like as Apisai Koroisau, Nathan Cleary, and Isaah Yeo during his time at the foot of the mountains.

Fans and media weren’t the only ones surprised, but Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz stated that many of the players were as well.
“It was an easy decision; I’ve gotten along with ‘Critta’ pretty well ever since he joined the club,” Kiraz told SEN 1170 The Run Home.

“No one really knows how much of a pest he is in the changerooms, but that’s just the way he is, but honestly, his first week he arrived early and we had an army camp, the way he shown leadership abilities, and I’m sure it’s not easy coming into a new team, but the way he demonstrated he’s a natural leader.
“Obviously his resume speaks for itself.”
Cameron Ciraldo confirmed that Mahoney and Burton had agreed that Crichton will be the captain in 2024. However, the coach declared that they would continue to lead the team.
“(For) all the boys, it wasn’t a shock for us honestly when he got the captaincy,” he said.

“He leads by example, and his deeds on the field and training have been incredible.
“I can’t wait to play for him.”
The Canterbury Bulldogs will kick off their 2024 NRL season against inner-state rivals the Parramatta Eels next week, with both teams hoping to start the season with a win.