NRL News: Ugly details emerge about Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as fans outraged at 'ridiculous' Stephen Crichton incident

Stephen Crichton faces a one-game suspension as Warriors fans are angry about the lack of consistency in the NRL after the center escaped a penalty box for a high tackle Roger Tuivasa-SheckThe Bulldogs spoiled Shaun Johnson's swan song in front of his own fans after running away with a 34-18 victory to close the gap on Cronulla and the Sydney Roosters in the race for the NRL top four.

The sold-out stadium at Mount Smart had come to bid farewell to the experienced Johnson at his last home game in 2024. The fans braved the cold and rain as Johnson entered the field to loud cheers and a tear-stained face.

Unfortunately, the game was marred by another bunker controversy when Bulldogs center Crichton stayed on the field for a high tackle on Tuivasa-Sheck. With the Warriors leading 18-16 in the 46th minute, Crichton's shoulder collided with Tuivasa-Sheck's head.

The State of Origin star centre appeared to not use his arms in the tackle as Tuivasa-Sheck was jolted as he attempted to play the ball. Tuivasa-Sheck then stumbled back and collapsed, having apparently suffered concussion from the incident.

Manly received two penalty box penalties for head-high tackles on Thursday night, costing them their match against the Wests Tigers, and spectators were firmly convinced that Crichton would also be sent to the penalty box for at least 10 minutes after the tackle was reviewed by the bunker.

However, the Bunker concluded that there were mitigating circumstances and the Warriors only received a penalty, leaving commentator Andrew Voss completely stunned.

“Where does Stephen Crichton put his arms on that tackle… that's a very controversial decision,” Voss said on Fox Sports commentary. “It's a shoulder to the head that took a guy out of the game and he's not going to play his last game of the season, that's the end of the season.”

“This is unbelievable.” Co-commentator Steve Roach agreed that Crichton should spend some time on the bench.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck misses the NRL finals

The Warriors fell apart after the incident, with many feeling that the home team should have had an extra man in the game. And there was bad news for the Warriors: Tuivasa-Sheck received a Category 1 headbutt.

This means that Tuivasa-Sheck is out of the game and will also sit out next week's game. Tuivasa-Sheck's season is over as the Warriors have a bye in the final round of the season. And sadly, he will not play in Johnson's final game for the Warriors.

And fans were absolutely furious with the decision. Manly fans wouldn't have been happy either, having seen two of their players sent to the bench for similar tackles. Fans are just asking for the game to be consistent from week to week as the NRL finals draw closer.

Andrew Webster is angry with NRL referees

Warriors coach Andrew Webster is usually quiet during his post-match press conference. However, at Mt Smart Stadium, the coach was not impressed and criticised the refereeing decision. He also criticised the notion that Tuivasa-Sheck will miss next week while Crichton could play if he avoids a penalty after being called.

“I think we played a big part in it (the loss), but I can't understand how Roger can get hit in the head with his shoulder and the bunker has ages to see that at a critical stage of the game and then we lose Roger and have to reposition our whole team,” Webster said at his press conference. “You have to reposition anyway – that's football – but when it happens, because it just happens – but when it happens like that and nothing happens to them – we have to protect our players.

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“And I just don't see any consistency in that regard. Roger is going to be out next week and couldn't return (to the game) and their player (Crichton) is continuing (playing). That's all. There are some parts we could have controlled better tonight and the guys know that, but I'm just frustrated with how that happened.

“Personally, I just think they must know what they're doing. I just don't think they know. I don't think they understand because the wording of what they're saying is just not clear. It's difficult.”

Cameron Ciraldo praises Bulldogs’ comeback

The close game ended when Josh Addo-Carr and Jacob Kiraz crossed the line to decide the game, and coach Cameron Ciraldo was pleased with the way the team fought back in the match at Mt Smart Stadium.

“We probably started out exactly the way we didn't want to,” Ciraldo said. “But I'm really proud of our guys for recovering from that, regaining possession and then getting back into the game.”