The Panthers have lost Viliame Kikau, Api Koroisau, Matt Burton, and Kurt Capewell in recent seasons, but Yeo said Crichton was a player who consistently stood tall in critical times.
“It’s hard to replace ‘Critta’ [Crichton], he’s played 100 games, and his best games have all been in the biggest moments,” Yeo was quoted as saying in this piece.
“All of the players who have departed have been essential to us, and the boys who have been snatched have all contributed significantly to our success.
“He’s never played poorly in the Origin arena, he’s made major plays in grand finals, and he hit the field goal to advance Samoa to the World Cup final. He does not shy away from any challenge.
It wasn’t just what he brought to the field during those pivotal moments; he also brought it off the field. He brought the excitement, was quite professional, and served as an excellent leader for many of the younger lads. “He will be sorely missed.”
Taylan May will take Crichton’s right centre spot in Friday’s opener against Melbourne.
When asked if he ever feared the Panthers’ production line would run out, Yeo replied, “Not when you look at the Penrith juniors and the million teams out there.” You just need a couple of youngsters each year, and the club has done an excellent job of identifying those who are coming through. They don’t actually miss the mark. And they’re not only good players,, but the club ensures they are decent people.”
Lock forward Yeo is 29, starting props Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris are 28, Scott Sorensen is 30, and Liam Martin turned 27 on Tuesday. To use coach Ivan Cleary’s favorite metaphor, the pack is in the’sweet spots’ of their careers.
“We’re certainly not ‘Dad’s Army’,” Yeo added. “Ivan likes the word’sweet spot’. Every year, when we chat to the coaches about what we want from the season, we all want to improve. And in any case, having the objective of being better than the previous year would serve you well.”
The Panthers have Jarome Luai.Cameron Munster, who suffered a groin injury in a hotel shower, is expected to return from shoulder surgery for the trip to AAMI Park, while the home team has named him.
Crichton will captain Canterbury and start in the centre against Parramatta. Jaeman Salmon will start at lock, with Kurt Mann wearing the No.14.
Nicho Hynes (quad) is available for Cronulla against the New Zealand Warriors, who welcome back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from a rugby stay.
