Bunker official set to be axed after controversial decision not to sin bin Stephen Crichton for high shot

NRL head of football Graham Annesley has described the decision not to sin bin Stephen Crichton as a "serious error" after he was only put on report for a high shot that ruled Roger Tuivasa-Sheck out of the match.

The Bulldogs spoilt retiring halfback Shaun Johnson's swansong in New Zealand, coming from behind to win 34-18.

Fuelled by the occasion at the renamed Shaun Johnson Stadium, the Warriors jumped out to an early 12-nil lead before the Bulldogs recovered and pulled away in the second half.

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The match was draped in controversy after Warriors centre Tuivasa-Sheck was ruled out of the match with a category one concussion from Crichton's high shot.

The Bulldogs skipper was placed on report, but remarkably avoided the sin bin. He has since been banned for one match.

"Where is Stephen Crichton using the arms in that tackle ... that's a very controversial decision there," commentator Andrew Voss said on Fox League.

"It's a shoulder in the head that's taken a bloke out of the game and now will not play their last game of the season either, that's season done.

"That's staggering."

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Steve 'Blocker' Roach added: "I thought he should've been sent to the sin bin".

Annesley has since suggested Bunker official Liam Kennedy won't be part of the appointments for round 26.

"(He) should've been sin binned ... there's no doubt that was an error of judgement," Annesley said in his weekly briefing.

"We have listened to the audio and it's purely a judgement error. The Bunker official involved just didn't give due consideration to the impact of the tackle.

"... We haven't done appointments yet but you can probably gauge from my comments that obviously it was a serious error."

Similar situations played out in the second half with Sam Hughes and Max King also dodging punishments for high shots.

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As the Warriors ran onto the field, the players formed a guard of honour for Johnson.

An emotional Johnson wiped tears from his eyes as he struggled to compose himself.

But the Warriors soon put the emotion of the match behind them, striking first as Luke Metcalf double-pumped to send Marcelo Montoya over the line for the opening try.

Four minutes later, the Warriors went back to back with Metcalf again assisting as Kurt Capewell ploughed through the Bulldogs' defence.

As the rain began to pour in Auckland, Bronson Xerri responded in the 26th minute — dancing around several defenders to score Canterbury's first.

Moments later, Toby Sexton put a cross-kick in with Stephen Crichton jumping over Capewell to stroll over.

Adding to Canterbury's headache, a knee injury to centre Adam Pompey saw him come from the field in the 21st minute. He did not return.

The lead then see-sawed as Viliame Kikau broke through before handing off to Kurtis Morrin in support.

Endeavouring to head into half time in front, the Warriors chose to play the ball following an escort penalty.

The decision came with Wayde Egan digging in from dummy half close at close range to score.

At the main break, the Warriors lead the Bulldogs 18-16.

The Warriors' tally marked the most first half points conceded by the visitors this year.

With the Warriors having lost both of their starting centres, the Bulldogs boasted consecutive tries as Harry Hayes went over for his first try in the NRL before Josh Addo-Carr showed off his speed.

"They've been blown off the field in the second half," Roach said.

Jacob Kiraz then sealed the win.

With the result, the Bulldogs have won their most games in a season since 2016.

In his farewell to home fans, Johnson converted six points and made three tackle breaks.