Canterbury Bulldogs and New South Wales Blues Star Stephen Crichton Faces Shoulder Injury
Stephen Crichton, a key player for the Canterbury Bulldogs and New South Wales Blues, has suffered a potentially serious shoulder injury. This development casts doubt on his participation in the opening game of this year’s State of Origin series. The injury occurred during a Good Friday loss to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and while scans are needed to determine the extent of the damage, coach Cameron Ciraldo has admitted the situation is not looking promising.
If surgery is required, it could mean that Crichton is out of the running for the first game of the series, and possibly the rest of the series as well. However, if he can recover without surgery, there might be a chance he returns before Origin 1. Whether he would be selected despite lacking match fitness is a decision that will fall to Laurie Daley, the Blues’ coach.
Potential Candidates for the Centre Position
With Crichton’s potential absence, several players are in the mix to fill the vacant centre spot. Assuming Brian To’o and Latrell Mitchell are selected, and either Thomas Jenkins or Jacob Kiraz wins the other wing spot, here are the players being considered for the centres:
Bronson Xerri (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Last year, questions were raised about whether Xerri could make the cut for State of Origin. Although he wasn’t selected, he remained in good form for the Bulldogs. A move to the other side of the park and ongoing discussions about the spine position have seen him drop out of the team recently. However, with Crichton’s injury, Xerri may now be recalled by coach Ciraldo. If he regains his top form quickly, he could be on the selection radar for Daley come Game 1.
Xerri possesses all the skills at both ends of the park, and without his four-year suspension, he might have already played for New South Wales. A big watch on team lists this Tuesday.
Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders)
Strange, who was picked for the Kangaroos’ tour of England at the end of 2025, has been a revelation at the Canberra Raiders. While 2026 hasn’t started as strongly as 2025, he remains a valuable asset. If the Blues need a centre, Strange could be a strong option. He has a brilliant running game, great footwork, tackles well, moves laterally, and has a great rugby league IQ. Even if he doesn’t get picked in the centres, there’s a chance he could be included in the squad.
Matt Burton (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Burton, known for his big bombs, has played in the Origin arena before but seems further from selection than ever in 2026. His form at the Bulldogs hasn’t been strong enough, but he has shown promise as a centre. If moved to the centres, his rank on this list could improve rapidly.
Tom Trbojevic (Manly Sea Eagles)
Trbojevic’s performance against the Dolphins would have caught the attention of Blues coach Daley. His best performance in a long time, he played a huge role in Manly’s 50-point victory. While he’s unlikely to be considered for fullback, the chance of playing at centre is real. His attacking ability and experience make him a strong candidate for Daley’s side.
Bradman Best (Newcastle Knights)
Best is a risky selection due to his consistency and injury issues, but his X-Factor potential is high. With solid form starting 2026, he could be a surprise pick for the Blues.
Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane Broncos)
Staggs brings experience, consistency, and talent to the table. With over 150 games for the Broncos and six Tests for Australia, he is a safe option for Daley. His excellent form this season makes him a strong contender.
Tolutau Koula (Manly Sea Eagles)
Koula has been in excellent form since his debut and continues to improve. His powerful and aggressive style, combined with his reading of the game, makes him a strong candidate for Origin level.
Casey McLean (Penrith Panthers)
McLean is currently the favorite for the centre position. His form for the Penrith Panthers has been exceptional, and his work rate and stats make him a standout. With Jenkins also likely to be on the wing, their combination could be a scoring threat.
