'Dangerous contact, how?': Eels star on report as legends fume over 'ridiculous' Bunker decision
Updated . First published at
Bulldogs fans would've grimaced as they watched on in the first half when Stephen Crichton went down for a significant period before the side went on to claim victory.
Half-way through the opening stanza, Crichton was tackled by Eels forwards J'maine Hopgood, Joe Ofahengaue and Shaun Lane.
Lane made contact with the hips and was the first defender to hit the ground.
FOLLOW LIVE: NRL Sunday coverage, round three
READ MORE: Bombers great lashes 'absolute mess' after 61-point loss
READ MORE: Legends defend 'natural' errors amid Walsh criticism
Canterbury's skipper then stayed down with what appeared to be an ankle issue.
"There's nothing in it really," Andrew Johns said on Nine in reference to the tackle.
Zac Lomax reacts after Shaun Lane was put on report for his tackle on Stephen Crichton. Nine
A minute later, Crichton eventually rose to his feet before a penalty was given based off the Bunker's review with Lane on report for dangerous contact.
Zac Lomax cut a frustrated look on the camera before Andrew Johns blew up at the call.
"What do you mean? Dangerous contact, how? Oh please, accidents happen," he said.
Billy Slater described the decision as "ridiculous" on commentary.
Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Toby Sexton then kicked for touch with Crichton running back to his position and chasing after the ball.
The incident then lead directly to a try for Canterbury as Bronson Xerri finished off a backline play and extended his side's lead.
That try made it 10-4 in favour of the Bulldogs after Daniel Suluka-Fifita scored earlier while Will Penisini went over for the Eels.
By half time, the Dogs were leading 14-4 following Blake Wilson's effort.
Parramatta struck first through former Bulldogs flyer Josh Addo-Carr to make it 14-8, but the next points wouldn't be scored until full time when Crichton kicked a penalty goal to seal his side's 16-8 victory.
Lane wasn't the only player on report with Jack Williams also in trouble for the Eels, while Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey also copped punishment for a high shot and will await the match review committee's decision.
