NRL Champion Stephen Crichton and Wife Leone Announce Pregnancy with First Child
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs star and three-time NRL premiership winner Stephen Crichton, alongside his wife Leone, have shared the joyful news that they are expecting their first child. The baby is due in July, marking an exciting new chapter for the couple who married in a lavish Samoan-inspired ceremony last August.
Romantic Social Media Announcement Captures Hearts
The happy couple, both aged 25, revealed their pregnancy over the weekend through a touching video posted on their social media accounts. The clip shows Stephen and Leone strolling hand in hand through a serene bush paddock at sunset, radiating happiness. Leone proudly displayed her growing baby bump in a beautiful sleeveless white dress, while Stephen, the Bulldogs centre, opted for a casual white T-shirt and black shorts.
In a particularly moving moment within the video, Leone is seen holding a printout of her ultrasound photos, offering a first glimpse of their unborn child. The pair also shared a separate photograph showcasing their early preparations for the baby's arrival. The image featured a cute knitted toy doll and a miniature T-shirt bearing the heartfelt message: 'Baby Crichton Coming Soon.' Stephen's hand was tenderly cradling Leone's stomach in the picture.
Overwhelming Joy and Support from the Rugby League Community
Expressing their elation online, Leone wrote in the post: 'Baby Crichton. Thank you Jesus, for our greatest blessing. We cannot wait to meet you, our baby in July.' The announcement was swiftly met with an outpouring of congratulations from fans and the wider NRL community.
Stephen's current club, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, were among the first to send their warm wishes, posting: 'Congratulations Fam! We can’t wait to meet the newest member of our doggies fam.' Fellow rugby league professionals also joined in celebrating the news. Well-wishes came from current Bulldogs player Toby Sexton and retired Canterbury favourite Josh Reynolds.
A Love Story Culminating in Marriage and Now Parenthood
This pregnancy news follows the couple's dream wedding in August 2025, a celebration deeply rooted in Samoan tradition. Stephen, who previously won NRL titles with the Penrith Panthers, married his high school sweetheart, Leone Seumanu Lauafia Crichton, in a ceremony attended by a host of NRL stars.
The wedding was such a significant event within the Samoan rugby community that it reportedly caused a delay to an international Test series between England and Samoa, as numerous Toa Samoa representatives had already committed to attending. Guests included Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and players like Jarome Luai, Scott Sorensen, and Brian To'o, who served as best man. Canterbury Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo was also present.
The reception was a vibrant affair, featuring the couple in traditional Samoan attire and performances of customary dances. In a cherished cultural practice, the newlyweds were showered with cash to help begin their married life, with notes pressed against them and collected from the floor. Stephen's heartfelt speech to his new wife, where he declared, 'Last, but not least, my wife Leone Crichton. That feels so good to say!' was a highlight, met with cheers from all in attendance.
Now, as they prepare to welcome Baby Crichton this summer, Stephen and Leone embark on the next beautiful stage of their journey together, from childhood sweethearts to husband and wife, and soon, to parents.
