Dragons star Kyle Flanagan receives verdict over ‘biting’ Stephen Crichton

Dragons five-eighth Kyle Flanagan has learned his fate, copping a huge ban for allegedly biting Bulldogs star Stephen Crichton.

Kyle Flanagan found guilty of biting.

Dragons five-eighth Kyle Flanagan has been sidelined for the remainder of the NRL’s regular season allegedly biting Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton.

The decision was reached following a lengthy hearing at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night.

During the proceedings, NRL counsel advocated for a suspension of four to six matches.

Flanagan’s defence argued that a penalty exceeding two games would be disproportionate, but the judiciary panel was intent on sending a “clear message” about the sport’s zero-tolerance to biting.

“Disappointed with the result, my focus turns now to the Dragons and how I can help them over the next couple of weeks,” Flanagan said.

“I didn’t bite Stephen Crichton. But I thank them for a fair hearing, and my focus is on the Dragons for the next four weeks.”

Flanagan will only have a chance to return to play if the ninth-placed Dragons secure a spot in the finals.

In the meantime, Jack Bird is expected to fill Flanagan’s spot in the halves for their upcoming match against the Titans.

Dragons five-eighth Kyle Flanagan has been sidelined for the remainder of the NRL’s regular season allegedly biting Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton.

NRL Judiciary hearing with Kyle Flanagan on a biting charge. Flanagan was found guilty and received a 4 week suspension. Photo Jeremy Piper

Flanagan attended the hearing accompanied by Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb and general manager of football Ben Haran.

Fox Sports reported they had initially tried to enter NRL headquarters discreetly through an underground carpark but were redirected to allow media coverage.

Evidence presented by the Bulldogs included four photographs showing Crichton’s injuries, with visible cuts and dried blood on his nose.

“I definitely did not close my mouth nor intend to make contact with Crichton’s nose while he was pinning me down. I was simply trying to roll to the left to free myself of my much heavier opponent to get a quick play the ball,” Flanagan said.

“(I’m) Shattered. Upset. Disappointed. I didn’t see myself being in this situation. Stephen Crichton put overwhelming force on my face, so I tried to free myself to get a quick play the ball for my team.

“I felt defenceless. Crichton moved his head forward, suffocating my face with a smothering feeling. I felt trapped and locked in. I felt like I had nowhere else to go and then I used a crocodile technique to roll over and play the ball for my team.

“I definitely did not bite Stephen Crichton. I partially closed my jaw, but I did not bite Stephen Crichton.”