Bulldogs supporters likely felt a wave of concern as they witnessed Stephen Crichton go down for an extended period during the first half.
Midway through the opening quarter, Crichton found himself tackled by Eels forwards J’maine Hopgood, Joe Ofahengaue, and Shaun Lane.
Lane was the first to make contact, hitting Crichton at the hips and hitting the ground shortly after.
The Canterbury skipper remained on the field, seemingly struggling with an ankle issue.
Andrew Johns remarked on Nine, “There’s nothing in it really,” regarding the tackle.
Zac Lomax reacts after Shaun Lane was reported for his tackle on Stephen Crichton. Nine
A minute later, Crichton managed to get back on his feet as a penalty was awarded following the Bunker’s review, with Lane receiving a report for dangerous contact.
Zac Lomax appeared visibly frustrated on camera, while Andrew Johns expressed his outrage at the decision.
“What do you mean? Dangerous contact, how? Oh please, accidents happen,” he exclaimed.
Billy Slater also labelled the decision as “ridiculous” during commentary.
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Toby Sexton then kicked for touch, with Crichton sprinting back into position and pursuing the ball.
This incident directly led to a try for Canterbury, as Bronson Xerri rounded off a backline play and extended his team’s lead.
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