LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Stephen Crichton, the Canterbury Bulldogs captain, has managed to avoid suspension despite being placed on report for dangerous contact during a recent match.
Instead, he has been fined $1,800 by the NRL Match Review Committee.
Crichton's teammate, Jacob Preston, also escaped suspension for a separate incident and was fined $1,000.
Crichton's charge stemmed from a try-saving attempt on Christian Tuipulotu, where he appeared to use his knees in the tackle, resulting in a penalty try for the Dragons.
The NRL judiciary deemed Crichton's actions to be a grade one dangerous contact charge, which typically results in a financial penalty for first-time offenders.
Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould confirmed the news before the official NRL announcement, stating on social media that Crichton had been fined rather than suspended.
This outcome allows Crichton to continue playing without any time off the field.
The decision to fine rather than suspend Crichton and Preston reflects a leniency towards first-time offenders and a desire to maintain player participation where possible.
Despite the potentially dangerous nature of the incidents, both players have been given the opportunity to learn from their actions and continue representing their team on the field.
The incidents highlight the importance of player safety and the NRL's commitment to enforcing rules and regulations to protect the integrity of the game.
By imposing fines rather than suspensions, the NRL aims to strike a balance between accountability and allowing players to remain active participants in the sport they love.
Overall, the outcome of the Match Review Committee's decision is that "Stephen Crichton has avoided suspension despite being placed on report for dangerous contact, with the NRL Match Review Committee opting to fine him $1,800 instead of imposing a ban," while teammate Jacob Preston also received a fine rather than a suspension, demonstrating the NRL's approach to addressing on-field incidents while keeping players involved in the game.