When Stephen Crichton initially escaped sanction from the NRL Match Review Committee for an incident in Friday night’s 20-14 loss to Melbourne, many fans were left stunned.
More than 48 hours later, however, the Canterbury Bulldogs skipper has now been charged for making contact to the face of Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen in a tackle during the 27th minute of the game at AAMI Park.
“Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton has become a protected species,” veteran journalist Phil Rothfield declared in The Daily Telegraph, reflecting the frustrations of many.
“How else do you explain him avoiding a charge for attacking the head of Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen on Friday night at AAMI Park? It’s the third time this year he has avoided a suspension for foul play.”
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With the ARL Commission appearing to have made use of its new discretionary judiciary powers, Crichton has since been hit with a belated Grade 1 contrary conduct charge following the Papenhuyzen incident.
Crichton faces a $1,000 fine should he enter an early guilty plea, increasing to $1,500 should he fight the charge unsuccessfully.
Either way, the 24-year-old superstar will be free to play in Thursday night’s crucial Round 26 grudge match against Penrith at Accor Stadium.
The two sides last met in one of the matches of the NRL season with the Panthers winning an epic contest at CommBank Stadium, 8-6.