Breaking News: few minutes ago, Canterbury bulldogs Star player Stephen Crichton retirement confirmed and announces to fans and entire…. 

Breaking News: few minutes ago, Canterbury bulldogs Star player Stephen Crichton retirement confirmed and announces to fans and entire….

🚨 Canterbury Bulldogs Captain Stephen Crichton Announces Shock Retirement

In a crushing surprise just minutes ago, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton officially announced his retirement from professional rugby league, sending a wave of emotion through fans, teammates, and the broader NRL community.

Crichton, 28, delivered his announcement in an emotional, heartfelt message to supporters and the club. “After much consideration and reflection, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to retire from rugby,” he said, voice trembling with sincerity. “It’s been an honour and a privilege to captain this amazing club and represent the Bulldogs on and off the field. But it’s time for me to step away and focus on the next chapter of my life”.

A fiercely respected leader, Crichton has been central to the Bulldogs’ resurgence, steering both attack and defence with skill, determination, and tactical intelligence. His departure marks the end of an era for a player whose grace under pressure and sheer physicality earned him admiration from teammates, coaches, and fans.

The announcement cited his long-term health and personal priorities as the drivers behind the decision. In a separate reflective message, Crichton acknowledged that the cumulative toll of elite-level play—both mental and physical—prompted him to put family and well-being first.

Canterbury management responded with both heartfelt gratitude and sadness. A club spokesperson hailed him as “an incredible leader, both on and off the field,” commending his professionalism, spirit, and profound impact on club culture.

As tributes pour in, the Bulldogs are left to grapple with filling the leadership vacuum left by their star centre. Fans have flooded social media with support under #ThankYouStephen, underscoring the magnitude of his impact on and off the pitch.

For Crichton, this bold decision marks the beginning of a new personal journey. The bulldogs’ era he led is over, but his legacy will echo across the club—and the league—for years to come.