Dragons Granted Penalty Try Following Controversial Stephen Crichton Incident; Bulldogs Captain Under Investigation

On Saturday afternoon, the Dragons were awarded a penalty try following an incident where Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton made contact with the head of winger Christian Tuipulotu using his knees.

Crichton now faces an anxious wait as his dangerous play at Kogarah Oval led to him being put on report during the opening round of the season.

During the first half, Tuipulotu lost the ball as he leapt for a try in the left corner, but the Bunker ruled that he would have scored had Crichton not committed foul play.

The first half, filled with intense moments in Sydney’s south, saw Tuipulotu confront Crichton with some choice words after the Bunker’s decision was announced.

Clint Gutherson, a new recruit for the Dragons and the club’s captain, stepped in to try and calm Tuipulotu down.

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Valentine Holmes, a recent addition to the Dragons, successfully converted the penalty try, giving the home team a 6-4 advantage; however, the Bulldogs went into the half-time break with a 16-6 lead.

Jacob Preston, a second-rower for the Bulldogs, joined Crichton in the referee’s book after committing late contact with Holmes.

In an attempt to pass a short ball to Holmes, Luciano Leilua’s throw went astray, and Preston connected late with the Queensland State of Origin star.

This incident ignited a heated confrontation between Preston and Dragons playmaker Kyle Flanagan, who was angered by the Canterbury backrower’s actions.

Rugby league Immortal Mal Meninga commented during Fox League’s half-time coverage, stating, “They [the Dragons and Bulldogs] have come to bash each other because they’re sick of just training. It’s been a highly physical game, and the atmosphere, no doubt, has been influenced by the large crowd, which has intensified their competitiveness.”