Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton avoids suspension after ugly incident in Dragons clash
Updated . First published at
Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton has avoided suspension after an ugly incident in his side's win over the Dragons on Saturday evening.
The superstar centre was placed on report after leading with the knees and striking Christian Tuipolotu in the head, leading to a penalty try for the hosts at Kogarah Oval.
Canterbury won the clash 28-20, but there were doubts over whether the captain would be free to play next weekend.
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Christian Tuipulotu reacts after a penalty try. Fox League
However, in a major boost for the club, Crichton has been slapped with a grade one dangerous contact charge and will escape with an $1800 fine.
Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould confirmed the news via social media on Sunday morning.
In a game punctuated with a series of heated moments, Tuipulotu fired up at Crichton with choice words after the Bunker's decision was revealed.
Clint Gutherson, the Dragons' new captain after his off-season arrival, tried to calm Tuipulotu down.
Bulldogs back-rower Jacob Preston was also cited after hitting new Dragons recruit Valentine Holmes late, but escaped with a grade one dangerous contact charge and a $1000 fine.
The incident sparked a tense scuffle between Preston and Dragons playmaker Kyle Flanagan, who was infuriated by the Canterbury forward's late contact.
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Another two players were reported in the second half: Dragons prop Emre Guler, who performed a crusher tackle on Preston, and Bulldogs utility Jaeman Salmon.
Canterbury bolted to a 28-6 lead on the back of a double for new recruit Sitili Tupouniua early in the second half, but the Dragons came charging back to 28-20 through tries to Tuipulotu and hooker Jacob Liddle.
However, the visitors staved off the fast-finishing Red V to collect the two premiership points.
