LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a decision that sent shockwaves through the Rugby League world, St George Illawarra Dragons' playmaker Kyle Flanagan has been slapped with a four-match ban for an alleged biting incident involving Penrith Panthers' Stephen Crichton.
The verdict, delivered after a nail-biting 90-minute hearing, has left the Dragons scrambling to fill the void left by Flanagan's absence for the remainder of the regular season.
With their finals hopes hanging in the balance, the Dragons will now have to dig deep and rally around replacement Jack Bird as they gear up for a tough run home.
Facing off against the Gold Coast Titans, Cronulla Sharks, Parramatta Eels, and Canberra Raiders, the joint-venture outfit will need to channel their inner champions and secure at least two, if not three, crucial victories to keep their finals dreams alive.
The incident, which unfolded in the dying moments of Saturday night's clash, saw Crichton's nose inexplicably find its way into Flanagan's mouth before tempers flared and emotions ran high on the field.
As Flanagan serves his suspension on the sidelines, the Dragons will need to show grit, determination, and true blue Aussie spirit to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.