Four Words Behind Baffling Bunker Decision; Johnson’s Farewell Derailed: Key Takeaways

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs secured a 34-18 victory over the New Zealand Warriors at Shaun Johnson Stadium, bolstering their top-four ambitions.

In what was meant to be an emotional send-off for Shaun Johnson in his final game at the renamed Go Media Stadium, the home team came out strong in the early stages. However, the evening’s focus shifted after the Bunker’s controversial decision not to sin-bin Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton for a high tackle on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in the 45th minute, overshadowing Johnson’s farewell in Auckland.

Crichton Escapes Sin Bin
The Bulldogs benefited from lenient officiating when Crichton was only placed on report, not sent off, for his high shot on Tuivasa-Sheck, which forced the Warriors’ center out of the game with a Category 1 HIA. Many, including Fox League’s Andrew Voss, expressed shock at the decision, believing Crichton deserved a sin bin.

Johnson’s Emotional Farewell
Shaun Johnson’s final home game was a poignant moment in recent rugby league history. The stadium, renamed in his honor, saw the Warriors No.7 overcome with emotion as he received a guard of honor before the match. Despite the defeat, the night was a fitting tribute to his illustrious career.

Bulldogs’ Strong Finish
Despite a shaky start, with several early errors, the Bulldogs mounted a strong comeback, scoring three tries in the first half and continuing their dominance in the second half. Their defensive resolve was evident as they prevented the Warriors from scoring in the second half, marking the third consecutive game in which the Bulldogs have kept their opponents scoreless after halftime.