Canterbury Faces Challenges Without Stephen Crichton
Canterbury is preparing for a difficult period without their star player, Stephen Crichton, following a 32-24 loss to South Sydney in the NRL. The Bulldogs’ defeat was compounded by Crichton’s injury, which occurred during a tackle involving Rabbitohs players Campbell Graham and Jack Wighton in the 43rd minute. Crichton did not return to the field after the incident.
Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo confirmed that Crichton suffered a grade two AC joint injury, which could potentially be a grade three depending on further assessments. This means the Samoa international will miss the upcoming match against his former club, Penrith, scheduled for next Thursday.
The Bulldogs have a challenging schedule ahead, with games against the Panthers, Parramatta, premiers Brisbane, and North Queensland over the next month. Ciraldo expressed concern about the situation, stating, “It’s not looking great in there.” He added that the medical team’s initial thoughts suggest a high-grade injury, which could keep Crichton out of action for an extended period.
“It’s an opportunity for someone else,” Ciraldo said, hinting at potential changes in the team lineup.
At the time of Crichton’s injury, Canterbury was leading 18-12. However, they struggled in the second half, completing only 40% of their sets, conceding six penalties, and making 12 errors. A late try from fullback Connor Tracey prevented Souths from keeping the Bulldogs scoreless in the second half.
Ciraldo chose not to replace Crichton with disgruntled centre Bronson Xerri, instead moving five-eighth Matt Burton to center and bringing Sean O’Sullivan into the halves. “Bronson was there covering the wing and centre, but when you lose your best communicator,” Ciraldo explained. “I needed to get another communicator out there, and Sean’s one of the best at that.”
Despite the changes, the Bulldogs lost their attacking fluency, allowing Souths to score 20 second-half points and secure their third win from the opening four games.
Latrell Mitchell scored two tries and kicked six goals, finishing the match at fullback after Jye Gray left the field for a head injury assessment. Souths coach Wayne Bennett confirmed that Gray passed his test and will be fit to face Canberra next week. However, he expressed concerns over Keaon Koloamatangi, who sustained a suspected medial ligament injury.
Souths took an early lead in front of a crowd of 49,813 when Alex Johnston intercepted a Tracey pass and ran 90 meters to score in the fifth minute. Marcelo Montoya and Mitchell exchanged tries before Canterbury took the lead just before halftime.
Lachlan Galvin dived on his own kick to the in-goal as a rampaging Sitili Tupouniua crashed over to make it 18-12 at the break. However, after Crichton’s injury, Canterbury fell apart, with Cameron Murray, Tallis Duncan, and Mitchell pulling Souths ahead.
“We played somewhere near our potential and what we’ve got in the team,” Bennett said. “The last time we played we were far off that. We weren’t perfect today, but we look closer to where we want to go.”
