Stephen Crichton’s State of Origin heroics were quickly forgotten on Saturday night after the Bulldogs captain was taken from the field in concerning scenes during Canterbury’s loss to Canberra.
While the early signs are encouraging, the Bulldogs now face an anxious wait as one of their most important players undergoes further assessment ahead of Round 20.
The incident occurred late in Canterbury’s 40-16 defeat at Accor Stadium.
Crichton was collected from behind by Raiders forward Noah Martin after releasing a pass, immediately grabbing at his chest before remaining on the ground. Medical staff rushed to his aid, eventually placing him in a neck brace and transporting him from the field on a medicab as concerned teammates looked on.
The sight immediately raised fears of a serious neck injury.
Fortunately, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo delivered a more positive update after the match.
Ciraldo confirmed Crichton had suffered a recurrence of nerve issues affecting his neck and shoulder, explaining the centre temporarily lost feeling in one arm following the collision.
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“He did lose feeling down one arm there and was a little bit scary,” Ciraldo said after the match.
“He wanted to get up but I think the trainers were just safety first and made him stay there.”
Ciraldo added that Crichton has experienced similar nerve-related symptoms previously and will undergo scans to determine the extent of the latest setback.
There was another encouraging sign before full-time.
Television cameras showed Crichton back on his feet walking around the Bulldogs’ dressing rooms, suggesting the injury may not be as serious as initially feared.
The 25-year-old also reassured supporters on social media on Sunday.
“Thank you all for the messages & prayers! Doesn’t go unnoticed! Nothing too serious, but I appreciate the love and support!”
Despite the positive message, Crichton remains in doubt for Canterbury’s clash with the Wests Tigers while the club awaits scan results.
The timing could hardly be worse.
Crichton has been one of the Bulldogs’ most influential players throughout 2026 and only days earlier played a starring role in New South Wales’ State of Origin series victory.
He has also battled shoulder issues earlier this season, including an injury that ruled him out of Origin II, making the latest setback another frustrating interruption to an otherwise outstanding campaign.
Canterbury’s injury concerns extend beyond Crichton.
The Bulldogs are already managing a lengthy casualty list, with Viliame Kikau, Sitili Tupouniua and several other key players unavailable, placing even greater importance on their captain’s recovery.
For now, the club can take comfort from one important detail.
What initially appeared to be a potentially catastrophic injury has, at least in the early stages, produced far more encouraging signs.
The Bulldogs will still await the results of Crichton’s scans.
But after the frightening scenes at Accor Stadium, simply seeing their captain walk from the field may prove to be the best news they receive all weekend.
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