NRL's Bunker Under Fire After Crichton Controversy, Broncos' Season Hits New Low
The NRL's Bunker is facing renewed scrutiny after a controversial no-try decision in Friday night's match, while the Brisbane Broncos' disastrous season has reached a new low with a record-breaking 15th defeat.
What happened in the Stephen Crichton incident?
Canterbury Bulldogs centre Stephen Crichton ran into referee Ashley Klein during a try-scoring opportunity for Lachlan Hubner, and the Bunker denied the try despite replays showing Crichton appeared to deliberately move into the official's path.
Fox League commentators Mick Ennis and Braith Anasta both noted that Crichton looked directly at Klein before choosing his line, rather than attempting to stop Hubner from scoring.
The decision has raised questions about consistency, given that players including Lehi Hopoate and Heath Mason have been suspended for referee contact in the past two years. Tyson Frizell famously copped a ban in 2016 for accidentally brushing past an official.
“Players have a responsibility to avoid referees at all costs,” was the argument at Frizell's judiciary hearing back then.
Critics are now asking how the Bunker missed the incident and why Crichton wasn't sin-binned and charged after the game.
Why is this Crichton decision a concern for other NRL teams?
The bigger worry for clubs heading into the finals is the precedent this sets. If a player can move into a referee's path and benefit from it, why wouldn't others try the same tactic in high-stakes matches?
This isn't the first time Crichton has received the benefit of the doubt on contentious calls. Previous incidents include a high shot on Setu Tu in Las Vegas this year, a face rake on Ryan Papenhuyzen last year, and the infamous Kyle Flanagan biting incident.
DCE's Roosters move looking like a masterstroke
Daly Cherry-Evans' decision to leave Manly for the Sydney Roosters at age 37 is being vindicated. His performance against Penrith was his best of the season, scoring both tries and showing class against Nathan Cleary.
The Roosters have now won eight straight and sit on top of the ladder. Cherry-Evans is following a similar path to Cooper Cronk, who delivered back-to-back premierships late in his career.
Warriors show resilience despite injuries
The Warriors' 40-6 thrashing of Brisbane demonstrated their greatest strength: an ability to overcome adversity. With Luke Metcalf sidelined by a hamstring injury, Chanel Harris-Tavita stepped up to take control.
Andrew Webster's coaching has built a next-man-up mentality that doesn't happen by accident. James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Barnett and Erin Clark have been outstanding, while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak highlighted how clear every player is on their role.
Do the Broncos owe Gorden Tallis an apology?
The Broncos removed Gorden Tallis' name from their headquarters in March after his criticism of the club and coach Michael Maguire. Five months later, the club's season has collapsed.
Andrew Johns delivered a damning assessment on the Sunday Footy Show, saying of the Warriors loss: “They don't care. They couldn't care less. They don't care if they win or lose at the moment.”
Brisbane has lost 12 of its past 13 games, setting a new record for most losses by a defending premier. Maguire has defended his players publicly, but even he looked lost after the latest humiliation.
The end-of-season review will likely conclude what everyone outside the club already knows: the players and coach are not on the same page.
Mitchell Moses defends actions after head contact controversy
Parramatta's Mitchell Moses challenged a knock-on call after minimal head contact, and the Bunker ruled a penalty that helped the Eels escape with a 32-30 win over the Cowboys.
Moses said he was “just playing by the rules,” but critics argue senior players should take ownership of their actions. Young Dragons forward Dylan Egan provided a contrast, getting up with blood from his nose and playing on after a high clip.
What else happened in NRL Round 24?
- Ponga's celebration: Kalyn Ponga's post-try celebration on Fletcher Hunt raised eyebrows at Newcastle.
- Sharks' concerns: Braydon Trindall's shoulder injury could prove costly for Cronulla, with Nicho Hynes needing to take charge.
- Couchman's toughness: Ryan Couchman got up smiling after copping a full-force kick from Jarome Luai.
- Bennett's magic: Wayne Bennett has transformed Matt Dufty and David Fifita at Souths.
- Manly's woes: The Sea Eagles were kept scoreless at Brookvale for the first time since 1993.
What's next for the NRL finals race?
With the finals approaching, the Bunker's consistency will remain under scrutiny. The Warriors face Souths in a crucial clash, while the Broncos take on Canberra without Reece Walsh.
The Knights secured a top-eight spot with their win over the Titans, while the Tigers' eight straight losses leave Benji Marshall's team in serious trouble.