Stephen Crichton will be a Canterbury Bulldogs player from 2024 after the NRL club confirmed they had agreed a four-year deal with the Samoa superstar.

The 22-year-old will play the 2023 campaign with Penrith. He will then make the move to the Bulldogs at the end of the year when pre-season commences for 2024.

Crichton has scored 41 tries in 76 games for the Panthers since making his first team debut in 2019.

The Apia-born centre or full-back has played a key role in helping Penrith win back-to-back NRL Premierships.

A Bulldogs statement read: “Out of respect to both Stephen and the Penrith Panthers, the club will make no further comment until he joins us at the end of the 2023 season.”

On leaving Penrith, Crichton said: “It was the hardest decision to make, but now my full focus is on the 2023 season; and finishing my time at Panthers as strong as I can.

“It’s going to be tough to leave my team-mates, but we will have our chance to make more memories this year.

“I know my friendships at Panthers won’t finish here but will last forever.”

Panthers sad to be losing Stephen Crichton

The Panthers say they made a “substantial” offer in May 2022 to extend Crichton’s time at the Panthers; and were disappointed they couldn’t reach an agreement at that point in time.

But contract discussions were put on hold at the back end of the 2022 campaign due to the uncertainty surrounding the NRL salary cap and CBA negotiations.

Penrith chief executive Matt Cameron said: “Although Panthers is disappointed by the outcome, the club respects Stephen’s decision; and understands the situation is exacerbated by salary cap pressure based on the club’s recent success.

“The club thanks Stephen for his efforts; and is looking forward to seeing him represent the Panthers for the remainder of the 2023 NRL season.”