Sydney Roosters forward Angus Crichton is facing a two-game NRL suspension after being sin-binned in the Rugby League World Cup final.
Crichton was given 10 minutes on the sideline by referee Ashley Klein after he knocked Samoa hooker Chanel Harris-Tavita out cold during Saturday’s (Sunday AEDT) final with a raised forearm.
The Roosters back-rower apologised for the incident but Samoa coach Matt Parish was “dumbfounded” that Crichton hadn’t been dismissed.
Parish labelled Klein as “weak” and the tournament’s match review committee found in his favour, handing Crichton a two-game suspension.
If he chooses not to appeal the decision, Crichton will be forced to sit out the Roosters’ two opening games of the 2023 season when they take on NRL newcomers the Dolphins and the Warriors.
Chanel Harris-Tavita lays motionless in Manchester. (Photo by Dave Howarth – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Harris-Tavita said his last memory was Samoa’s pre-game Siva Tau.
“I didn’t even know we were playing in a final,” he told AAP. “They said we beat England last week and I couldn’t remember that.”
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Crichton apologised to the Warriors playmaker after the game.
“It was a reaction, I didn’t know he was coming,” Crichton said. “There was no malice in it at all. I apologised to him after the game and he knows that I didn’t try to injure him.
“I’m a good person who plays the game the way it is meant to be played.”
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Assume he is still allowed to fight it, which probably would be enough to have it dropped, or has the IRL review board disbanded post-tournament, and reports from the final, final ?
mushi
Roar Guru
Notice a difference in penalties when there were still IRL games to play?
Phil
Roar Rookie
He can't be suspended for that. His time in the bin is ample punishment for a self protective type action. Sure, he KOed the other bloke but there was no intent to harm.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
They waited until the final to start suspensions……..
ALL ABOUT BALLS
Roar Rookie
lucky boy it was the final,definite send off.you could see how nervous Crichton was thinking he would be sent off, as he waited for the verdict,he seemed relieved getting 10 in the bin, I hope he pays for Chanel drinks while on holidays together.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Can Parish get fined by the NRL for bringing the game into disrepute , I'm sure old mate Pete will find a way . :happy: :happy: :happy:
Tony
Roar Guru
As you say, it won't happen
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Surely PVL has some pull here.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Happy for this to be the benchmark going forward. If a relative cleanskin like Crichton gets two weeks for careless contact with no intent then the bar is set. Serial offenders of raised forearms with plenty of intent JWH, NAS and Felise Kaufusi might as well start planning for a long spell on the sidelines. Won't happen, but if this is the standard it should.
Me Vlad You Crane
Guest
He can't, that was intentional :laughing:
Tony
Roar Guru
He just needs to use the same defence Junior Paulo used to get off when he elbowed Lazy Davy