Angus Crichton charged for incident that Andrew Johns says was 'not a penalty'
Updated . First published
Roosters star Angus Crichton has been charged over an incident that had Andrew Johns frustrated in Thursday night's clash between the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane.
Crichton has been hit with a grade one dangerous contact charge for a late hit on Ben Hunt during the 50-14 loss to the Broncos.
He can accept a $3000 fine or fight it and risk a two-game ban.
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While it ended up being a one-sided affair at Allianz Stadium, the fact Crichton was penalised and put on report didn't please Jones.
Crichton collected Hunt with a solid shot in the second half, flooring the Broncos veteran as he kicked the ball.
The tackle wasn't initially blown as a penalty by the on-field officials, much to the dismay of Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds.
Angus Crichton was put on report for a late hit. Nine/Getty
"Crichton has whacked Hunt ... Adam Reynolds is down there barking in the face of Gerard Sutton," commentator Mat Thompson said on Nine.
However, after some deliberation, Sutton opted to penalise Crichton for the late shot.
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The decision left Johns up in arms, who pointed out his usual stance on defenders taking cheap shots at general-play kickers.
"Look at it in real time," he said.
"No one protects halfbacks and kickers like I have the last 10 years, but you cannot stop them from being hit. That's just fair play. He kicks the ball and it's simultaneous.
"He doesn't hit him in the head. There's still got to be pressure on the half.
"For me, that's not a penalty."
Angus Crichton is placed on report. Getty
A potential Crichton suspension would be a major blow with Spencer Leniu and Victor Radley sidelined.
Trent Robinson is hopeful the star back-rower should be fine to face the Panthers.
"I think it was late, penalty, around the chest," Robinson said.
"Shouldn't have happened, but not [a suspension] that I saw, anyway."
