The Canterbury Bulldogs have been dealt a devastating injury blow at the worst possible time, with skipper Stephen Crichton forced out of their qualifying final clash against the Melbourne Storm after suffering a syndesmosis injury. The setback not only derailed the Bulldogs’ momentum on the night but could also rule their inspirational captain out for the remainder of the season.
Crichton’s injury occurred in the first half when he reeled out of a tackle, clearly in discomfort and struggling to find his usual rhythm. His visible pain immediately caught the attention of fans and commentators alike. Fox League’s Greg Alexander voiced what many were thinking in the moment: “I don’t know how he stays out there.” Moments later, Bulldogs medical staff confirmed their skipper was unable to continue.
A Blow That Could End His Finals Campaign
The early prognosis is grim. Syndesmosis injuries are notoriously difficult to manage, with recovery timelines ranging from three weeks without surgery to as much as eight weeks if an operation is required, according to NRL Physio. Given the timing, such a layoff would almost certainly end Crichton’s finals campaign and potentially keep him sidelined for Samoa’s Pacific Championships commitments later in the year.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo didn’t sugarcoat the situation after the game, conceding it would be a tough road back for his captain. “It’s hard to know now without getting scans but when you can’t finish a game it’s not looking great,” Ciraldo admitted.
The coach’s words reflected the sombre reality: losing Crichton, who has been central to the Bulldogs’ resurgence this season, could be the moment that reshapes their entire finals push.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stephen Crichton won’t return & will go for scans after suffering a suspected syndesmosis injury (high ankle sprain).<br><br>Mechanism fairly textbook - foot caught under him turns up & out. Fact he couldn’t continue + use of moonboot brings concern for at least a moderate sprain - if… <a href="https://t.co/7eCnk7RVJC">pic.twitter.com/7eCnk7RVJC</a></p>— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) <a href="https://twitter.com/nrlphysio/status/1966459114558832837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Playing Through the Pain
Despite the clear discomfort, Crichton initially attempted to soldier on. In typical fashion, he battled through several sets in a display of resilience and commitment to his team. But his compromised movement was obvious, limiting his effectiveness and forcing Ciraldo’s hand. Eventually, the skipper was replaced by utility Toby Sexton — who made an immediate impact by scoring almost instantly after entering the contest.
While Sexton’s cameo provided a spark, the loss of Crichton was felt deeply on the field and off it. Veteran playmaker Shaun Johnson summed up the significance of the setback in blunt terms: “It’s actually a really yuck feeling, his leadership and the weight he carries in that side he wanted to show he could still get around. But it’s so hard to carry on, every time you put pressure through that foot, it feels like you’re getting gapping in your foot and you can’t push off it. It’s not a nice feeling... a finals series without him in it is just not as good, it’s simple.”
Johnson’s remarks captured what Bulldogs fans and neutrals alike were feeling — a finals series without Stephen Crichton lacks one of its biggest stars and most influential leaders.
A Brutal Sight in the Sheds
Crichton was later seen in the changerooms alongside club staff, testing his injured ankle in the faint hope of making a return. The sight of the usually dynamic centre struggling to even push off his foot painted a bleak picture. The Bulldogs ultimately ruled him out for the remainder of the match, and scans are expected to confirm the severity of the damage in the coming days.
Beyond his on-field brilliance, Crichton has been a cultural leader for Canterbury since arriving at the club. His presence has lifted standards and inspired belief in a side desperate to reclaim its place among the NRL’s elite. To lose him now, with everything on the line, could prove a decisive blow to the Bulldogs’ title ambitions.
Kikau’s Early Scare Adds to Chaos
As if the Bulldogs’ night couldn’t get more chaotic, star forward Viliame Kikau also endured a frightening moment in the opening stages of the clash. The barnstorming back rower copped a stray elbow while tackling Melbourne winger Will Warbrick in the very first minute of play.
Kikau was left flat on the turf and required immediate medical attention before being assisted from the field. Thankfully for Canterbury, scans later cleared him of any serious injury, and he was able to return to the action. His comeback brought some relief for Bulldogs fans, but the scare underscored just how brutal finals football can be.
What It Means for Canterbury’s Campaign
The Bulldogs’ depth will now be tested like never before. Losing their skipper not only robs them of strike power in attack but also removes one of the most reliable voices in defence and organisation. Crichton’s combination with Matt Burton and the left-edge attack has been a cornerstone of their success, and his absence leaves a gaping hole.
Ciraldo faces a significant selection headache heading into the next clash. Toby Sexton’s impact may earn him a larger role, but there is no replacing the leadership and big-game pedigree that Crichton provides.
The question for Canterbury is simple: can they rally without their talisman, or will the loss derail what has been a promising campaign? For now, Bulldogs fans can only wait anxiously on the results of scans, hoping for a miracle that could keep their captain in contention.
What is certain is that if the injury sidelines him for the season, the Bulldogs will need to dig deep into their reserves of belief and resilience to keep their finals hopes alive.
