Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has provided a positive update on Stephen Crichton after the captain was taken from the field on a medicab on Saturday night. Crichton stayed on the ground in pain following a hit from Noah Martin in the Bulldogs’ NRL loss to Canberra in Sydney.
Crichton has been plagued by a shoulder issue all season and has previously dealt with nerve issues in his neck that caused a loss of feeling in his arm. There was concern about possible nerve issues again on Saturday night when Crichton reported no feeling in his arm, which is why he was taken off on a medicab.
Stephen Crichton reported a loss of feeling in his arm. Image: Fox League/Getty
But Ciraldo revealed after the game that the State of Origin star was back on his feet in the sheds and feeling better. Ciraldo said Crichton wanted to stand up on the field, but the trainer made him stay down out of an abundance of caution.
“He wanted to get up, but I think the trainer was just thinking safety first and made him stay there and wait till everything was all right,” Ciraldo said. “He lost feeling down one arm there and it was a little bit scary, but he’s looking a bit better in there now.
“Two years ago something happened that was pretty similar. So fingers crossed it’s a good result, but he’ll get a scan and make sure everything’s OK.”
Crichton was later taken to hospital for scans. It remains to be seen whether he’ll be forced to spend time on the sidelines.
NRL world sends well-wishes to Stephen Crichton
Kurt Mann, who filled in for Crichton during the post-match press conference, said: “It was pretty chaotic. Stephen’s one of our our closest mates out there, so a little bit scary.
“A few boys went over and checked on him. You know the doctors and the physios were doing a good job on him, and and we didn’t get too much feedback with him so we just tried to stay warm and prepare. Definitely scary to see one of your mates laying there like that.”
Stephen Crichton was taken from the field on a medicab.
Fans and pundits took to social media to wish Crichton well. The ‘League Scene’ account wrote: “Sending love to Stephen Crichton.”
Another person wrote: “It was such a worrisome scene, but to hear he was already up on his feet in the sheds, is very reassuring. Fingers crossed that recovery is swift and problem-free.” While a third added: “Hopefully Stephen Crichton will be ok.”