Stephen Crichton learns fate as fellow NRL star banned, footage sparks questions in Vegas furore
The Bulldogs beat the Dragons in a hugely controversial thriller in Las Vegas.
Sam Goodwin, Sports Editor
Updated Mon 2 March 2026 at 9:56 am AEDT
3 min read
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Stephen Crichton has escaped a charge altogether despite
NRL fans fuming that he wasn't sin-binned in the Bulldogs' win over the Dragons on Sunday. However Cowboys winger Braidon Burns is facing a two-game suspension for his hit on Kalyn Ponga.
And eyebrows have been raised over the actions of a Bulldogs trainer late in the game against the Dragons. The Bulldogs won 15-14 in golden-point extra-time, but the Dragons were seething over a number of controversial calls. Crichton's game-winning field-goal came after a contentious penalty for a 'strip' that many thought was the wrong call.
Stephen Crichton (L) got away with a penalty only, while questions are being asked if the Bulldogs trainer (R) was allowed on the field. Image: Getty/Channel 9
And many also questioned why Crichton wasn't sin-binned in the first half for a high shot on Dragons winger Setu Tu. Crichton came barrelling down on Tu while the winger was attempting to catch a high ball, and Tu rolled to the ground after pouching it.
On his way to ground, Crichton came in dangerously and collected Tu straight in the head with his shoulder and arm. Crichton escaped anything more than a penalty because Tu was so close to the ground, but many thought it still could have been a sin-bin for the forceful and reckless contact.
On SEN radio, commentator Jimmy Smith questioned why Crichton escaped a bin when Cowboys winger Burns didn't get as lucky in the first game. "It was a clear hit in the head. It's a double standard compared to what we saw in the first game with Kalyn Ponga," Smith said.
Chad Townsend agreed, saying: "100 per cent. If Braidon Burns is in the bin then Stephen Crichton should be in the bin."
Stephen Crichton collected Setu Tu in the head, but escaped the sin-bin. Image: Channel 9/Getty
Stephen Crichton escapes all punishment
Fans were calling for Crichton to face sanction from the match review committee, and many questioned whether he'd finally be banned. But the Bulldogs captain wasn't even fined on Monday morning, escaping a charge completely.
Crichton was charged multiple times last season - including when he slid on with his knees and collected Dragons winger Christian Tuipulotu in the head in the corresponding fixture - but managed to escape suspension every time.
As for Burns, he was hit with a Grade 2 careless high tackle charge and will miss two games with an early guilty plea. Tyson Frizell and Tuipulotu both copped fines for incidents in the Vegas games.