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 married his high school sweetheart in a dream ceremony with lots 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 married Leone Seumanu Lauafia Crichton in front of a host of NRL stars.
There were so many footy players in attendance that the wedding actually forced the postponement of the international test series between England and Samoa as so many Toa Samoa representatives were already planning to be present at the wedding.
The two-match series was postponed by a week and will now start on October 27 to allow players sufficient time to travel and prepare for the matches.
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 with players like 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 bodies and then collected from the floor to help them get the best start in married life.
Former Penrith and current Bulldogs star Stephen Crichton married his high school sweetheart Leona
Samoa would have struggled to field a team had the match against England gone ahead as planned
Crichton and Leona perform traditional Samoan dances at the reception after their recent wedding
To’o spoke fondly of his “brother” Crichton, but also revealed that they were not close when they first met at a school basketball game.
“It went from a three-on-three to a one-on-one between me and Stephen,” To’o said.
‘Because he knows how Stephen plays, he always goes for the three-pointer. He is a high quality player, that’s what he does.
“He shot, faked it, turned me around, bounced the ball off my head, caught it and hit the three-pointer, which won them the game.
“So I hated him for the next three years.”
Witness Brian To’o told how a rivalry turned into a friendship and then a brotherhood with Stephen Crichton
The crowd laughed, but To’o quickly switched to the brotherhood that later blossomed.
“Luckily we reconnected in 2017… because it was a long time ago [since] When I saw him, I offered him a piece of my lunch,” he said.
“That was the very beginning of our brotherhood.
“Since then we have 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, which makes you the leader.
‘Off the field he is a very dedicated family man and a man of faith.
“I thank my brother for the friendship and memories we built together that will last a lifetime.”
Outgoing Penrith Panthers star Jarome Luai with Brian To’o’s son Atreus, who was ring bearer for the wedding
The happy couple share their first dance as husband and wife in their formal attire
To’o couldn’t resist being a little cheeky in his speech as well.
“There are many ways to describe Stephen, but I have come up with three,” he said.
‘Loyal, selfless, childish and annoying.
‘Did I say three? Or was there four? It says five here, but there are too many children here, so I’ll leave that out.
“Stephen has played a huge role in my life, not only as a rugby player but also as a person.
“He will always go out of his way to put others before him and that is something I really admire about Stephen.
‘His love for his family and friends, the love he shows for his godson, my son Atreus.
“God willing, one day they will have children of their own and without a doubt he will be the best father.”
Traditional Samoan dancing was also a big part of the wedding reception for Crichton and his new wife Leona
Crichton also made special mention of To’o in his speech.
“To my best man Bizza, the fart machine,” he joked.
“Thank you for everything you did for my special day, my brother. I asked to do a lot, and not once did you back down.
‘I am so grateful that you are in my life and can share these moments together. I will always have your back, just like I know you will always have mine.”
But the biggest cheers 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 we met after school at 711 Mount Druitt…we always met early in the morning before school for our $20 Maccas breakfast and just talked about whose school was better.
‘Early in our relationship, I quickly discovered that I was blessed with someone special.
‘It wasn’t always sunny and good days for us, we also had quite a few bad days.
“But I thank God for his protection and guidance over us to get us where we are today.”