Who Is Stephen Crichton Wife? Meet Leone Lauafia and Their Newborn Daughter Praise

Stephen Crichton and his wife, Leone Lauafia, have celebrated two years of marriage while enjoying their first months as parents. The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs captain and his high-school sweetheart welcomed their daughter, Praise Crichton, on July 24, 2026. Her arrival marked an emotional milestone for the NRL star, who returned to the football field less than 24 hours later and delivered an impressive performance despite getting only a few hours of sleep.

The couple married on October 18, 2024, after dating for approximately seven years. Their relationship has attracted attention among rugby league supporters, particularly because Leone has remained a constant source of support throughout Crichton’s professional career.

Who Is Stephen Crichton’s Wife Leone Lauafia?

Leone Lauafia, also known as Leone Crichton, is the longtime partner and wife of Australian rugby league star Stephen Crichton.

She has largely maintained a private lifestyle despite her husband’s growing popularity in the NRL. However, she occasionally appears in family photographs and social media posts celebrating important personal milestones.

Leone and Stephen began dating during their school years, long before he established himself as one of Australia’s leading rugby league players.

Stephen Crichton and Leone Lauafia’s Wedding

Stephen proposed to Leone in October 2023, shortly after helping the Penrith Panthers secure another NRL premiership.

The couple married on October 18, 2024, during an elaborate ceremony attended by family members, friends, and several prominent rugby league personalities.

Their wedding celebrations reflected their longstanding relationship and shared family values.

Crichton previously admitted that asking Leone’s parents for permission to propose made him more nervous than playing in a major rugby league final.

Stephen Crichton and Leone Welcome Daughter Praise

On July 24, 2026, Stephen and Leone welcomed their first child, a daughter named Praise Crichton.

Leone went into labour early that morning, and their daughter arrived at approximately 9:30 p.m. after a long day at the hospital.

The following evening, Crichton played for Canterbury against the New Zealand Warriors after receiving encouragement from his wife.

Despite sleeping for approximately four and a half hours, he scored a try and kicked three goals in the Bulldogs’ 18-6 victory.

He celebrated his try with a baby-rocking gesture dedicated to his newborn daughter.

How Fatherhood Has Changed Stephen Crichton

Becoming a father has introduced new responsibilities for the Bulldogs captain, who previously described football as the central focus of his daily routine.

During the 2026 State of Origin series, Crichton explained that he had discussed his participation with Leone because she was approaching her due date.

He also praised his wife’s strength following childbirth and described holding their daughter as one of the greatest blessings of his life.

Stephen Crichton’s Rugby Career and Family Support

Crichton established his reputation with the Penrith Panthers, winning three consecutive NRL premierships between 2021 and 2023.

He joined the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2024 and became an important leader within the club. He has also represented New South Wales in State of Origin and Samoa internationally.

Throughout his professional achievements, Crichton has repeatedly acknowledged the importance of Leone’s support, particularly during major career transitions and the arrival of their first child.

Two years after their wedding, Stephen Crichton and Leone Lauafia are embracing parenthood while continuing a relationship that began long before his rise to rugby league stardom.