Thurston condemns Crichton’s ‘easy option’ referee act as Souths stamp finals credentials

Johnathan Thurston has offered a strong criticism of a Stephen Crichton act after his Bulldogs side lost 22-6 to the Rabbitohs.

Late in the second half, with the Bunnies leading 18-6, Rabbitohs forward Lachlan Hubner looked like he’d scored a certain try after a Brandon Smith one-on-one strip.

Crichton ran into referee Ashley Klein, and then tried to hold Hubner up on the try-line.

Klein sent it to the Bunker as a no try with the belief he had impeded the Bulldogs captain.

The replay showed Crichton had run into Klein who was to his left, despite Hubner running to his right.

“If Crichton goes any further left, he’d miss the tackle by 10 metres,” Brad Fittler joked.

“The only infringement there is Crichton is invading Ashley Klein’s space.”

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Fortunately for the Bulldogs, it was ruled as a mutual infringement.

Thurston was then highly critical of Crichton.

“What does that message send to your teammates? He’s your skipper, he’s played straight to Ashley Klein there ... don’t you want your skipper to bite down on the mouthguard to try and come up with a play to stop the opposition,” he said.

“He’s just taken the easy way out and that’s what they’ve done all game, just take the easy option.”

The no try for Souths didn’t end up hurting them, going on to seal the win with a Matt Dufty try.

The Rabbitohs started the match strong, leading 10-0 at half-time after Alex Johnston and David Fifita scored.

Straight after the break, Bailey Hayward dropped the ball from the kick-off which led to Tallis Duncan scoring straight away.

Campbell Graham made it 18-0 when he crossed in the 46th minute before the Dogs’ only try came through Enari Tuala later in the half.

While the Rabbitohs impressed in attack, their defence was a particular highlight with multiple tries saved over the line early during the match.

“I thought defensively we were on the first half ... we were desperate to make that effort to stop the tries,” Cody Walker said on Nine’s coverage post-match.

The win now puts the seventh-placed Rabbitohs four points clear of the Bulldogs who are currently ninth.