Monday Buzz: Stephen Crichton’s actions contributed to biting furore with Kyle Flanagan

Kyle Flanagan’s season is on the line after being sent straight to the judiciary to face a biting allegation. But Stephen Crichton also has a case to answer, PHIL ROTHFIELD writes.

Stephen Crichton’s actions contributed to biting furore with Kyle Flanagan

The one thing missing on the NRL’s charge sheet from Kogarah Oval on Saturday night was a grading on Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton for sticking his nose into the mouth of an opponent.

Now I know Crichton is one of the most respected players in rugby league.

I know he plays so tough and so strong and is normally a clean player, but … let’s have a deeper dive into the story after watching a hundred replays.

St George Illawarra five-eighth Kyle Flanagan has been accused of biting the Bulldogs centre in an ugly aftermath to the Kogarah blockbuster, which Canterbury won 28-10.

Listening to the Fox League experts on Saturday night you would suggest he was guilty as charged.

“That was hard to watch and it’s hard evidence,” Mal Meninga said. “There’s no doubt that he’s bitten him.”

Stephen Crichton with a bloodied nose. Picture: Fox League

And then Cooper Cronk, after watching countless replays: “That is damning evidence.”

A trial by media.

Fair enough, both are paid to have their on-the-spot opinions on live television.

They don’t get the benefit of sleeping on it.

Yet we have a player who can’t defend himself because of NRL rules around their judiciary.

Now look at the video again …

Seriously, what is Flanagan supposed to do?

He is lying on the ground with a 99kg man on top, forcing his face into the Dragons playmaker.

Canterbury forward Jacob Preston and centre Stephen Crichton tackle St George Illawarra five-eighth Kyle Flanagan. Picture: Fox League

Preston and Crichton complete the tackle on Flanagan. Picture: Fox League

As Preston releases from the tackle, Crichton continues, moving towards Flanagan's face as the Dragons No.6 fights him off. Picture: Fox League

Certainly, a new technique in slowing down the play the ball.

Crichton’s nose goes into Flanagan’s mouth. Clear as day.

It’s not Flanagan’s fault, it’s Crichton’s.

At no stage does Flanagan lift or move his head towards Crichton’s nose or snap at it.

It just happened to be there.

Possession is gold these days and, with one arm locked around the football, Flanagan tried in vain to push Crichton away from his face.

Crichton gets to his feet and his nose is bleeding, no doubt as a result of Flanagan’s teeth.

But what would you do if someone shoved their nose into your mouth in these days of Covid, various influenza strains and the horrible viruses that are getting around?

Crichton rubs his face on Flanagan's, pressing his nose against his mouth.

The moment of impact between Flanagan and Crichton.

I’d be disgusted.

So we’re off to Moore Park for a huge judiciary case on Monday night.

Judging by previous suspensions for this offence, Flanagan is facing three to six weeks.

I do not believe, on this occasion, that it is a fair outcome.

Hopefully the old folk on the judiciary will recognise that it was Crichton’s actions that actually caused the incident.

Disclaimer: Yes, I’m a friend of Shane Flanagan, which will no doubt be mentioned in online comments. However, I would be writing exactly the same about any other player.