NRL BOMBSHELL: Bulldogs Captain Stephen Crichton Rejects $230 Million Eels Offer – ‘I Prefer Passion Over Fortune’
In a stunning revelation that has rocked the rugby league world, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton has reportedly turned down an eye-watering $230 million deal from archrivals Parramatta Eels. The offer, which would have made Crichton the highest-paid player in NRL history, was declined in favor of loyalty, leadership, and love for the Bulldogs.
The 24-year-old skipper, who joined Canterbury in 2024 after a decorated stint with the Penrith Panthers, has reaffirmed his commitment to the blue and white, stating, “I prefer passion over fortune. I don’t have plans of leaving beyond the Bulldogs. This is home now.”
The Eels’ blockbuster proposal is understood to have included marquee status, sponsorship incentives, and long-term commercial partnerships, but Crichton stood firm. The fullback/centre, already regarded as one of the league’s elite players, emphasized culture and purpose over paychecks.
“There’s something special building at Belmore,” Crichton said. “I didn’t come here to chase money—I came here to be part of a new era, to lead a club back to greatness. No amount of dollars can replace the pride I feel putting on this jersey.”
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo, who previously worked with Crichton during their time at Penrith, praised his captain’s decision, calling it a “massive win” for the club’s culture.
“Stephen’s leadership and character are unmatched,” Ciraldo said. “He’s not just a player; he’s a symbol of what we’re building here—resilience, loyalty, and passion. Turning down that kind of money tells you everything about who he is.”
The Eels, meanwhile, are left to reassess their recruitment plans after the rejection. Parramatta is currently in the midst of a roster rebuild and had hoped Crichton would be the marquee signing to spearhead a resurgence. Sources close to the club admitted they were “shocked” by Crichton’s swift and decisive response.
Fans have responded with a wave of admiration, hailing Crichton as a rare breed in modern sport—a superstar driven not by financial gain, but by heart, loyalty, and legacy.
As the Bulldogs continue their push toward finals contention, Crichton’s stand sends a powerful message across the league: money may build stadiums, but passion builds empires.
In an era where athletes are often criticized for chasing dollars, Stephen Crichton’s decision might just become the defining moment of a career—and the catalyst for a Bulldogs renaissance.
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