The man who broke English hearts could be “squeezed” out of current club

Stephen Crichton has already had a special career.

The Penrith Panthers star has won back-to-back NRL Grand Finals proving to be the hero in the 2021 final against South Sydney Rabbitohs.

He has now scored in a Rugby League World Cup Final after he broke English hearts in the semi-final at the Emirates Stadium in London.

He twice looked to have won the game in normal time. He scored to make it 20-12 prior to scoring an intercept try at 20-20 to give Samoa a late 26-20.

However, a Herbie Farnworth try sent the game into Golden Point Extra time but Crichton would still have the chance to produce heroics as he nailed a drop goal from far out to send Samoa to a first ever World Cup Final and become the first Pacific side to make it to the decider.

That said, his future is unclear.

He is in the final year of his current deal allowing other clubs to negotiate with him.

The Panthers, according to Fox League, are close to securing the future of Brian To’o which makes Crichton’s departure more likely as does his ambition to play fullback which has resulted in links to the Canterbury Bulldogs.

According to Fox League, this situation coupled with the Panthers’ move to tie down To’o could “squeeze” him out.