Crichton and Burns learn judiciary fates

The NRL's match review committee has handed down its findings from the NRL’s first two matches of the season, with three players being charged.

But Stephen Crichton has managed to avoid a suspension for his high tackle on Setu Tu.

During the 32nd minute of the Bulldogs’ golden point win against the Dragons, the captain would have his shoulder collide with the debutant’s head whilst catching a Matt Burton high ball.

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The former Panther would be penalised by referee Grant Atkins, but was not sin-binned for the incident.

This was despite North Queensland’s Braidon Burns being sin-binned for a similar incident in the match prior.

Following his high tackle on Kalyn Ponga, which saw him sent off for 10 minutes, the centre has been charged with a Grade 2 careless high tackle.

With this being his second offence, the 29-year-old can take a two-game suspension with an early guilty plea. If he attempts to plead his case for a downgrade, he could face missing an extra game if unsuccessful.

The other players charged in Newcastle’s Tyson Frizell and St George Illawarra’s Christian Tuipultou were both fined following a Grade 1 dangerous contact and Grade 1 shoulder charge, respectively.