Stephen and Christian Crichton, despite both enjoying NRL stints at Penrith and Canterbury, had never played with or against each other.
That finally changed on Thursday when the siblings faced off for their first clash outside of the backyard, as part of a NSW tune-up ahead of the State of Origin decider.
The Blues took part in an opposed training session at the Blue Mountains Grammar School in Wentworth Falls, against a St Marys side from the third-tier Ron Massey Cup. It mimicked their preparation for game two, although this time the teams trained with simulated crowd noise to prepare them for the hostile environment that awaits them at Suncorp Stadium.
The scrimmage was notable for absence of Bradman Best, who is expected to be fit for the decider despite recovering from a hamstring twinge, as well as for the Crichtons finally colliding. Stephen trained in his customary centre position, while Christian played on the same side of the field as the St Marys winger.
Asked if he jammed in on the NSW three-quarter to remind him who was boss, Crichton laughed: “I did a few times there, but, not being full contact, I would love to wack him [but I couldn’t].
“It was good. We train a lot together so it’s not anything new.
Blues brothers: Christian Crichton with younger sibling Stephen.Credit: Grant Trouville, NRL Photos
“In this environment, being around the Blues camp and being part of their prep, we just want to do our job to make sure they’re getting out of the session what they need to, so we’re not doing anything silly or trying to hurt the boys, but it’s good fun.”
Christian Crichton, four years older at 27, took the day off work from his job at Kennards Hire to participate in the session. He missed the previous scrimmage between the teams due to work commitments.
“I tried not to [make Stephen’s job easy], the boys are looking really good, preparing really well,” Christian said. “It was good to be a part of their prep.”
Stephen Crichton has become one of the best players in the NRL, revelling in the added responsibility of being Canterbury skipper after leaving his comfort zone of Penrith. However, Christian said Stephen was never touted as a future superstar while coming through the junior ranks.
Crichtons everywhere: Stephen Crichton with brother Christian Crichton and NSW teammate Angus Crichton.Credit: Grant Trouville, NRL Photos
“Surprisingly not really,” Christian said. “Coming through the grades he was in division two. It wasn’t until 16s and 18s that he really got good.
“He wasn’t the best player but he just liked to work, he’d train and work hard. Over the years and with good coaching he’s been able to pick up things and continued to learn and get better. That’s what has got him to where he is today, hard work and always being keen to learn.”
Cheering and booing was pumped through the speakers during the opposed session, forcing the players to work on their non-verbal communication in preparation for their Suncorp Stadium reception.
“It’s going to be loud up there,” said NSW No.7 Mitchell Moses.
“It’s just helping us be able to adapt to the noise, being able to talk out there to each other.
“We’re focused on being extra clear in talking to each other about what we need to do and where we need to get to.
“I think it will be useful getting a feel for it on the field and how we can react to the noise.”
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