Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton has managed to avoid suspension following a high shot on Roosters forward Lindsay Collins, keeping him in the mix for State of Origin selection. Crichton, a crucial part of the NSW Blues lineup, struck Collins high with his left shoulder during the Bulldogs’ nail-biting 24-20 win over the Roosters on Friday night. Despite the potentially dangerous contact, the 24-year-old centre has been handed a $3000 fine if he accepts an early guilty plea, avoiding a potential two-game ban.
The NRL’s match review committee issued a grade one dangerous contact charge for the incident, marking Crichton’s third offence on record. Under current rules, if he chooses to contest the charge at the judiciary and loses, Crichton faces a two-match suspension – a risk the Bulldogs star is unlikely to take with the Origin series just around the corner.
Impact on State of Origin Squad
Had Crichton been suspended, it would have created a major headache for NSW coach Laurie Daley, who is already grappling with the loss of fellow centre Bradman Best. The Newcastle Knights star was ruled out on Friday due to a hamstring injury, sidelining him for the first two games of the series at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on May 28 and Perth’s Optus Stadium on June 18. This double blow would have left the Blues without their two first-choice centres, forcing Daley to reshuffle his backline options.
Daley’s Dilemma – Picking the Perfect Centre Pairing
Despite the potential disruption, Daley still has several quality centre options to consider. Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic, Zac Lomax, and Campbell Graham remain strong contenders, alongside Crichton, for the coveted starting spots. Mitchell’s power and creativity, combined with Crichton’s athleticism and defensive prowess, make them a formidable duo if both are fit and available.
Former NSW coach Brad Fittler, speaking on Nine’s post-match coverage of the Bulldogs-Roosters clash, expressed confidence that Crichton would escape suspension, citing recent changes in the way the game is officiated.
"I think the way the game has moved since a couple of weeks ago, it won’t be too bad," Fittler said. "He’s gone in with the shoulder, but I think he will be OK."
Mixed Reactions from League Legends
While Fittler backed Crichton to avoid a ban, Queensland Maroons legend Johnathan Thurston had a different take, highlighting the need for more careful tackling techniques.
"There needs to be a wrapping-of-arms motion; he’s not done that at all," Thurston said during Nine’s coverage. "It will be very interesting to see what the match review committee have to say."
Thurston, a Queensland assistant coach, emphasised that players have a "duty of care" to their opponents, suggesting Crichton’s hit could have warranted a harsher penalty.
Blues’ Centre Spots Still Up for Grabs
Despite the uncertainty, Fittler tipped Mitchell and Crichton to fill the Blues’ centre roles for Origin I.
"It’ll be Latrell on the left," Fittler said. "I think Latrell has to get through the game against the Wests Tigers. I reckon he will definitely be the left centre. On the right will be Crichton."
However, the final decision will depend on this weekend’s games, with Trbojevic set to make his case when Manly takes on North Queensland in Townsville on Saturday night. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Campbell Graham will look to impress in the Rabbitohs’ clash with the Tigers on Sunday night.
The Road to Origin I – High Stakes for Blues Stars
As the countdown to the 2025 State of Origin series continues, every match is a crucial audition for players hoping to wear the sky-blue jersey. With intense competition for the centre spots, Daley will need to balance form, fitness, and experience as he names his squad on Sunday night.
For Crichton, avoiding suspension is a significant first step, but he will still need to prove his worth on the field in the coming weeks to secure his place in the NSW Blues lineup.
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
