The NRL wedding for Penrith and Bulldogs star Stephen Crichton that was so big it forced an international Test series to be DELAYED because so many players were in attendance
NRL superstar Stephen Crichton has married his high school sweetheart in a dream ceremony with plenty of tears, laughter and dancing at a reception full of Samoan traditions.
The three-time NRL premiership winner with the Penrith Panthers and current Canterbury Bulldogs star tied the knot with Leone Seumanu Lauafia Crichton in front of a host of NRL stars.
There were so many footy players in attendance that wedding actually forced the international Test series between England and Samoa to be delayed because so many representatives from Toa Samoa had already planned to be at the wedding.
The two-match series was postponed by a week and will now kick off on October 27 to give players plenty of time to travel and prepare for the fixtures.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was at the ceremony and reception along with Panthers players Jarome Luai, Scott Sorensen, Moses Leota, Izack Tago and Sunia Turuva to name a few.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo was also spotted along with players including Kurt Morrin and Harry Hayes.
Panthers winger Brian To’o was best man for the day while Roosters prop and former Penrith star Spencer Leniu was also in the bridal party.
The reception was one for the ages, with both Crichton and Leone dressing in traditional Samoan attire and performing traditional dances for the friends and family in attendance.
The couple were showered with cash, with notes pressed against their body and then collected from the floor to help them get off to the best start in married life.
To’o spoke lovingly about his ‘brother’ Crichton, but also revealed they were not close when they first met in a school basketball competition.
‘It went from a three on three to a one on one between me and Stephen,’ To’o said.
‘Knowing how Stephen plays, he always goes for the three-pointer, he’s a high quality player, that’s what he does.
‘He took the shot, faked it, had me turned around, bounced the ball off my head, caught it, shot the three-pointer which won them the game.
‘So I spent the next three years hating him.’
The crowd laughed, but To’o quickly switched to the brotherhood that blossomed later on.
‘Luckily we re-connected in 2017 … because it had been a long time [since] seeing him, I offered him a bit of my lunch,’ he said.
‘That was the very beginning of our brotherhood.
‘Since then, we’ve achieved so much together playing alongside each other for the Penrith Panthers, New South Wales Blues and Toa Samoa.
‘Your greatness continues to shine on those around you, that’s what makes you the leader.
‘Off the field, he’s a very devoted family man and a man of faith.
‘I thank my brother for the friendship and memories that we’ve built together that will last for a lifetime.’
To’o couldn’t resist being a bit cheeky in his speech as well.
‘There are many ways to describe Stephen, but I’ve come up with three,’ he said.
‘Loyal, selfless, childish and annoying.
‘Did I say three? Or was that four? It says five here but there’s too many kids here so I’m going to leave those out.
‘Stephen has played a massive part in my life, not only as a rugby player but as a person.
‘He will always go out of his way to put others before him and that is something that I really admire about Stephen.
‘His love for his family and friends, the love he shows for his god son, my son Atreus.
‘God willing, one day they will have children of their own and without a doubt, he will become the best father.’
Crichton made special mention of To’o in his speech as well.
‘To my best man Bizza, the farting machine,’ he joked.
‘Thank you for all you’ve done for my special day my brother. I asked for a lot to be done, and not once did you flinch.
‘I’m so grateful to have you in my life to share these moments together, I’m always going to have your back like I know you’re always going to have mine.’
But the biggest cheer came for his loving speech to his new wife.
‘Last, but not least, my wife Leona Crichton,’ he said.
‘That feels so good to say.
‘From the day that we met at Mount Druitt 711 after school … we would always meet up early mornings before school for our $20 Maccas brekkie and just talk about whose school was better.
‘Early days into our relationship I found out real quick I was blessed with somebody special.
‘It wasn’t always sunshine and good days for us, we’ve had our fair share of bad days also.
‘But I thank God for his protection and guidance over us to get us to where we are today.’