The star centre was put on report after kneeing Christian Tuipulotu in the head.
The Bulldogs have played down injury concerns around Stephen Crichton, and the captain has also avoided suspension for an ugly incident in their win over the Dragons on Saturday. Crichton left the field early as the Bulldogs won 28-20, sparking major concerns for Cameron Ciraldo’s club.
Crichton was noticeably absent from the post-match press conference, but Ciraldo insisted he’d only been suffering cramp. “He was just cramping up, in his calves, in his glutes, in his groins,” Ciraldo said. “I think he was doing his best and I thought we were better off getting him off and adjusting everyone. I thought the guys that had to adjust did a great job … it was another bit of adversity, but it was really good (we hung on).”
The Bulldogs can ill-afford to lose their captain, with star winger Jacob Kiraz already sidelined. And the club was handed a huge boost on Sunday when Crichton was only fined for his hit on Christian Tuipulotu.
Stephen Crichton avoids suspension in boost for Bulldogs
The Samoan international was put on report after kneeing Tuipulotu in the head while trying to save a try in the first half. Crichton’s knee dislodged the ball from Tuipulotu’s grasp, but because he also made dangerous contact with the winger’s head, the Dragons were awarded a penalty try.
Many had called for Crichton to be suspended over the incident that was labelled “dirty”, but the NRL handed him an $1800 fine on Sunday for grade one dangerous contact. Teammate Jacob Preston was also fined $1000 for a late hit on Valentine Holmes.
While some thought the Tuipulotu incident was simply an accident, the crucial element working against Crichton was the fact he didn’t attempt to use his arms in the tackle. Had he used his arms the incident would be chalked off as incidental, but without the use of his arms he led with his knees and made dangerous contact to an opponent’s head.
Some were left fuming that Crichton wasn’t sin-binned on top of the penalty try. But Ciraldo said he didn’t think he’d have a case to answer. “He’s going across to save a try and his knee hit the ball … I don’t think he’ll have too much to worry about,” the coach said.
News of Crichton avoiding suspension sparked a mixed reaction from fans on Sunday. While some agreed it was only worth a fine, others weren’t happy he avoided a ban.
Crichton only gets fined for sliding his knees into a players head.
