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Crichton in two-week ban, misses Origin I

3 minute read

NSW second-rower Angus Crichton is set to miss the State of Origin opener through suspension for a late hit while playing for the Sydney Roosters.

ANGUS CRICHTON.
ANGUS CRICHTON. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

NSW's back-row shortage has taken another massive hit with Victor Radley facing a long ban and Angus Crichton's poor judiciary record set to cost him his spot in the State of Origin series opener.

Crichton was picked up for a late shot on Albert Kelly in the Sydney Roosters' shock loss to Brisbane on Saturday night, which was not penalised during the game.

Ordinarily, Crichton would be able to escape with a monetary fine for dangerous contact incident but given it is his third offence this year that option is unavailable.

It means the Blues incumbent must beat the grade-one charge at the judiciary or will otherwise miss two games due to his poor record.

It will prompt debate over whether Origin games should require extra points to miss, given Crichton's offence is usually considered a relatively minor one.

Regardless, the Crichton charge capped off a horror rap sheet for the Roosters.

Radley's Origin hopes are virtually over after his two charges netted him a minimum of four games on the sidelines.

He was considered a favourite for the No.13 jersey, but was charged twice after being sent to the sin-bin twice and put on report four times in Saturday's loss.

Early guilty pleas to both would mean four matches out, while fighting both at the judiciary would result in potentially a five or six match suspension.

Even with an early plea, Radley would not play again before Origin II.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson admitted on Saturday night Radley had to change his tackling style amid the NRL's crackdown on high shots.

"(To change his style) within a couple of weeks, it's tough," the Roosters coach said of the Roosters lock.

"But as far as I know they're not changing so he's going to have to get it in check.

"It's hard for those guys who want to create a physical contest, the ruck is going to have to be... you can still be physical on your contacts but it's going to have to be a lot softer on contacts now."

The Blues are already without Boyd Cordner for the entire Origin series, while Cameron Murray is only beginning running on his injured ankle again.

Bans for Crichton and Radley will likely push the Blues hopes of Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Ryan Matterson and Shaun Lane, with Tyson Frizell all but guaranteed to start on one edge.

Elsewhere, Broncos Tyson Gamble and Matt Lodge are both facing one-game bans for crusher and high tackles respectively.

Gamble's suspension would double to two matches if he fights this charge and loses at the judiciary.

Canterbury players Chris Smith and Sione Katoa are also facing bans of one game for crusher tackles, with both set to miss a second week if they unsuccessfully fight it.

Eight other NRL players were fined from Saturday's matches.

It takes the tally of charges by the match review committee for this round to 23, well on track to set the NRL-era record for the third week in a row.

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