Bulldogs Captain Crichton ready to do battle in Origin

PUTTING on a masterclass in defence, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have overcome the loss of winger Josh Addo-Carr and two stints with 12 men to claim a brave, 32-2 victory over Newcastle.
The performance – in wet and slippery conditions at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night – came despite the absence of captain Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton away on Origin duties and Viliame Kikau on the sidelines with a finger injury.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo said they played differently to other games by icing their opportunities but he said he was most pleased with how brave they were with the ball.
Addo-Carr crossed for the first try of the match with a brilliant solo effort.
The 28-year-old had a second 13 minutes later when he finished off a left-side shift and the Bulldogs successfully defended their lead throughout the remainder of the first half to enter the sheds up 10-2.
Bullback Connor Tracy had been sent to the sin bin for a professional foul early and the Bulldogs had their backs against the wall again when Toby Sexton was also sent to the sin bin.
However, for the second time in the match, the Bulldogs were able to cross while down a man after Josh Curran grounded the ball, sealing the deal.
Ciraldo said it had been pleasing to go into half-time ahead on the scoreboard and the way they competed on every play.
“There’s been no change in structure or the system,” he said.
“The change has been around culture; we’ve got good people who want to work hard and I love watching them defend.
“We’re not afraid to pass or offload, that’s who we are; the only stuff that matters is we’re winning games now.”
Bulldogs next host the Eels in their annual King’s Birthday clash from 4pm at Accor Stadium on Monday, June 10.