He put the team on his back’: Captain Crichton fumes at referee after a controversial decision on non-contact as he stands tall to lead epic Bulldogs fightback…

**‘He put the team on his back’: Captain Crichton fumes at referee after controversial decision as he leads epic Bulldogs fightback**

Canterbury Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton has delivered a fiery post-match outburst after a controversial referee decision overshadowed his heroic efforts in leading a stunning comeback for the ages. The Bulldogs clawed their way back from a heavy deficit, inspired by Crichton’s leadership, but a contentious non-contact penalty left the captain fuming.

The flashpoint came late in the second half with the Bulldogs surging and momentum firmly in their favour. A pivotal play was halted by a penalty for alleged obstruction—despite minimal, if any, contact—snuffing out a golden scoring opportunity. Crichton immediately confronted the referee, visibly irate at the ruling. “How is that a penalty? There was no contact!” he shouted, frustration boiling over. Replays seemed to support his claim, with fans and commentators alike questioning the call.

Despite the setback, Crichton’s influence never wavered. The former Panther was everywhere—organising the defensive line, charging into contact, and setting up crucial attacking plays. His late try, scored through sheer determination and strength, ignited the Bulldogs’ resurgence and turned the tide of the match.

Crichton’s post-match comments reflected both pride in his team’s resilience and disappointment in the officiating. “We worked so hard to get back into it. The boys didn’t quit, and that’s what I’m proud of. But I won’t lie—we felt robbed by that decision,” he said. “We play with passion, and all we want is fairness.”

Teammates and coaching staff echoed his sentiments, praising their captain for his leadership under pressure. “He put the team on his back when we needed it most,” said coach Cameron Ciraldo. “He leads by example, and tonight he showed why he’s our captain.”

Fans flooded social media in support of Crichton, many demanding more accountability from officials. The controversial decision will likely be a topic of discussion for the NRL’s officiating review panel in the coming days.

While the Bulldogs may not have secured the win, their captain’s resolve and the team’s grit signaled a turning point in their season. With Crichton at the helm, their fightback is far from over—both on the scoreboard and in demanding respect from the whistleblowers.