Stephen Crichton, captain of the Bulldogs, may miss game one of the State of Origin series as he anxiously awaits the outcome of a review concerning a high tackle on Lindsay Collins. During the 43rd minute of their recent match against the Roosters, Crichton executed a significant shoulder tackle on Collins, which resulted in a penalty for the Roosters.
Despite the impact of the tackle, Crichton escaped further disciplinary action at the time, as referee Ashley Klein did not penalise him. However, if the match review committee determines that the incident warrants a harsher penalty, his spot in the Blues’ centres could be jeopardised. According to Nine’s Emma Lawrence, should Crichton be cited, it would mark his third offense, potentially leading to a suspension.
The match review committee is scheduled to convene at 7 am on Saturday to assess the events from Friday night’s matches. Lawrence mentioned, “If Stephen Crichton is cited at all, it will mean he misses a week,” highlighting the tension surrounding the decision. A suspension would significantly impact the Blues team, which would be a substantial setback for coach Laurie Daley.
Brad Fittler, in a post-match interview, noted the shifting dynamics of player discipline, suggesting that the consequences for Crichton might not be severe. He commented, “He’s gone in with the shoulder… but I think he will be okay.” Meanwhile, Johnathon Thurston voiced that while the incident wasn’t egregious, players hold a responsibility for their opponents’ safety, especially when they are on the ground.
The situation is further complicated by the absence of Bradman Best for the first two games of Origin, which prompts speculation about potential replacements in the centres. Fittler observed, “It’ll be Latrell on the left,” suggesting that Latrell Mitchell is likely to fill the left centre position, contingent on his performance in the upcoming match against the Tigers. The fate of Crichton adds a layer of complexity to the selection process, with keen interest in how coach Daley will navigate this situation.
Ultimately, Crichton’s future in the Origin series hinges on the match review committee’s decision, making for a tense few days ahead as both he and the Blues await clarity on his eligibility.