LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Bulldogs are facing significant challenges as the NRL finals approach, with 52 players at risk of suspension in the last round of the regular season. Among them, Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton is particularly vulnerable and is on the brink of a ban. His record of dodging suspensions is well-known, but Crichton is now on his final warning.
Two weeks ago, Crichton narrowly avoided a ban after being fined for raking the face of Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen. This incident marked his third offence this season, meaning a fourth would lead to suspension at a crucial juncture.
According to AAP, NRL regulations state that players accumulate extra-match bans for past offences. If a player has two or more prior incidents, an additional two games are added to their base penalties. As a result, a grade-two careless high tackle, which typically warrants a one-game ban, could escalate to a two or three-match suspension for those with existing infractions.
Moreover, players with multiple offences cannot opt for fines concerning shoulder charges, dangerous throws, or crusher tackle charges, further complicating situations for teams nearing the finals.
While NRL rules provide players with one extra warning during the finals, that rule does not activate until next week. Consequently, players with prior offences are highly susceptible in Round 27 if they violate any rules, particularly those on teams headed for the finals.
Of the 10 teams still vying for a finals spot, 52 players will take the field in the final round, each carrying at least one prior mark on their record. The Bulldogs stand out as the most at-risk team, having received the highest number of charges from the match review committee this season.
In Saturday's upcoming match against Cronulla, the Bulldogs have 10 players who each have at least one offence recorded, including notable names such as Crichton, Matt Burton, and Viliame Kikau. Any suspension-inducing charge they might face in that match would result in a minimum two-match ban for the finals.