Overview

• Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton received a Grade 1 contrary-conduct charge and a $1,000 early-plea fine three days after contact with Ryan Papenhuyzen in the 27th minute at AAMI Park.
• The Bulldogs must enter a plea by Tuesday afternoon, with any contested hearing expected next week, and Crichton remains available for Thursday’s Round 26 match.
• The NRL says the late charge was permitted under a 2022 rule allowing retrospective reviews and declined to reveal who requested it, while other reports said the ARLC asked the MRC to revisit the incident.
• The timing prompted scrutiny about media influence after a News Corp column highlighted the lack of initial action, further fueling transparency concerns.
• Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy and CEO Justin Rodski called for judiciary reform after Harry Grant’s suspension, proposing the ability to challenge gradings without risking extra games, potentially using a financial penalty instead.