Billy Slater has raised question marks over Canterbury's recruitment of Stephen Crichton for next season, with the Panthers star expected to play fullback at his new club.
After winning two premierships with his junior club, Crichton has inked a mammoth four-year deal worth an estimated $3.3 million with the Bulldogs, who are continuing to build their long-term roster under Cameron Ciraldo.
Crichton has been used at centre for the majority of his time at Penrith and to great effect, crossing for crucial tries in both of the side's grand final triumphs in 2021 and 2022.
The 22-year-old has also become a staple in the representative arena, plying his trade for NSW and Samoa in recent years, including a starring role in last year's World Cup campaign.
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Billy Slater urges Bulldogs to play Stephen Crichton at centre
However, with a new role expected at Belmore next season for the 193cm freakish talent, one of the best fullbacks in the history of the game has questioned the experiment.
Speaking on the latest edition of The Billy Slater Podcast, the current Queensland coach urged the Bulldogs to leave Crichton in the same spot he has excelled at the reigning premiers.
"I don't know if I'd move him to fullback when he goes to the Bulldogs - I think he's a quality centre," Slater said.
"I think Stephen Crichton is doing a great job in the centres, not just with his attack, but he's making some really good decisions defensively.
"He moves really well, he's very athletic. He's obviously getting some good ball in the Panthers' team as well."
Canterbury have also added Souths speedster Blake Taaffe, who can potentially slot in at fullback, while the likes of Hayze Perham and Jacob Kiraz remained signed until at least the end of next season.
Crichton has scored 14 tries in 22 games this season for the Panthers, as well as cementing himself as one of the game's best defensive centres, but has also played sporadically in the No.1 jumper throughout his NRL career.
Stephen Crichton 2023 NRL stats
| Games | 22 |
| Tries | 14 |
| Try Assists | 15 |
| Linebreaks | 11 |
| Tackle Breaks | 82 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 127m |
| Avg. Tackles | 12 |
| Tackle Efficiency | 85% |
