Crichton gave up four hours of his time to assist Canterbury great Paul Langmack with a project that helps with kids’ mental fitness, called Changing Rooms. Crichton was asked to show up just for a meet and greet, but instead spent several hours with the kids. He made a huge impression on them, which will hopefully help them out if they find themselves facing difficult times in future.
We’ve all seen the outstanding footballer Crichton is, but we’re also getting glimpses of the man that made him the best option to be the Bulldogs captain at the start of last season, despite being just 23 at the time.
Langmack described Crichton as the most humble and respectful person he has met in football. Crichton has come a long way in a short time, and it is hard to argue with Langmack’s assessment.
Crichton’s authenticity and generous spirit are obvious to an old media hack like myself. His inclusiveness and warmth make him a potential Blues leader in future.
Ramsey’s story warms Blue hearts
New Blues assistant coach Dean Young had the honour of giving Cody Ramsey his first-grade debut in 2020, and in his current role he got the chance to call him up into the Blues squad to help them prepare for Origin I.
Ramsey’s potentially life-threatening battle with ulcerative colitis has been well publicised, and to see him with the Blues squad on Tuesday was heartwarming to say the least.
Before Young could even tell Ramsey what role he would play for NSW, he had agreed. It is understood he initially thought he might be helping out with a junior team. When he found out it was with the Blues Origin side, Ramsey got in touch with close mate Zac Lomax, the Blues winger and godfather to Ramsey’s daughter. Lomax and Blake Lawrie were two of the players at the Dragons who stood by Ramsey and helped him through his darkest days.
To see Lomax and Ramsey together with the NSW side gave a lot of pleasure to those who know their history and Ramsey’s battle.
Ace of clubs
It was wet and cold when the Blues arrived at their Leura base in the Blue Mountains on Tuesday. But superstar centre Latrell Mitchell was still keen for a hit of golf. He played a quick 10 holes before the team dinner. He is off a handicap of 10, and that number is on the way down.
Tatts the reason
We spoke to Taylan May recently about his battles, but one thing we left out was the most famous tattoo in the NRL. I simply asked him why?
“Obviously it’s my family name, and I’m very impulsive, so I think that’s why,” he said. “It’s my family name, and I thought it meant so much to me. And I feel like I’m the carrier of that family. I feel like I carry everyone’s burdens. I love my family, and I want to, you know, I’m a family man. It didn’t hurt … It took two hours. My artist is very good.”
