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4h ago

NRL Issues Belated Charge to Bulldogs’ Stephen Crichton Over Papenhuyzen Contact

A Monday re-examination has revived questions about the NRL judiciary’s timing and transparency.

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Overview

  • The Bulldogs captain received a Grade 1 contrary conduct charge for making contact with Ryan Papenhuyzen’s face in the 27th minute at AAMI Park, carrying a $1,000 early-plea fine or $1,500 if an appeal fails.
  • He remains available for selection and is expected to play on Thursday against Penrith at Accor Stadium.
  • The incident was initially left uncharged before a Monday review that sources say followed ARLC consultation with the match review committee on the same day a News Corp column questioned the lack of action.
  • An NRL spokesman said the sanction flowed from a 2022 rule enabling retrospective reviews rather than the ARLC’s newer discretionary powers, and the league has not disclosed who requested the second look.
  • The case fuels a wider judiciary debate after Storm captain Harry Grant’s two-match ban, with coach Craig Bellamy calling that penalty harsh and CEO Justin Rodski urging a way to seek downgrades without risking extra games, potentially in exchange for a financial penalty.