“There are some experienced players out there[on the left] with Kiks[Kikau],Foxx[Addo-Carr] and Burto,” Crichton said. “We need to take our chances as they come and keep building the combinations,so it becomes second nature on the field.

“I’ve been training everywhere,wherever ‘Ciro’[coach Cameron Ciraldo] wants. I’ve been doing reps at fullback,wing and centre … if I do get switched around I know what my job is,and I can handle it for the team. Everything[position] is a chance. The main reason for me playing[on Friday] was to get that combination right,and see how we’re going.

“Burto running the ball is a massive factor. He’s been a bit quiet the past few seasons,and I’m trying to unleash him,to[help him] play what he sees and play happily – any NRL player plays at their best when they’re happy on and off the field.”

Crichton said he was honoured to captain Canterbury,had played under some great leaders such as Nathan Cleary and Issah Yeo at the Panthers,and James Tedesco at the Blues,but had never skippered a team,even at junior level.

Meanwhile,new Sydney Roosters’ NSW Cup coach Brett Morris was looking forward to working with a couple of former Origin representatives this year,including Dylan Napa and Michael Jennings.

Napa captained a team of Roosters fringe players to a big trial win over South Sydney on Friday,while Jennings,35,is expected to be available for reserve grade come round one.

“‘Naps’ has been around a long time;he bleeds red,white and blue,and for these younger kids coming through,to play with a guy like that,it’s exciting for them,” Morris said. “He was captain[on Friday],he wanted to lead by example,and he did.

“‘Jenko’ has been back training and working hard. Everyone knows what a fit Michael Jennings can do. I’m hoping to be able to name him in round one.”

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