Latest news with #ChristianTuipulotu
News.com.au
29-05-2025
- General
- News.com.au
‘Been to two Olympics': Dragons confirm late switch with Nathan Lawson locked in to make NRL debut
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has confirmed former sevens star Nathan Lawson will make his NRL debut for the club on Friday night after try-scoring machine Christian Tuipulotu was ruled out. Tuipulotu scored seven tries in five matches but hasn't played since the round 6 win over the Titans when he came off with a hamstring injury having already crossed for a double. The left winger was named to make his return in Friday's match against the Knights, but the club has decided to play it safe, with Tuipulotu expected to come back next week against the Dolphins. 'CT is very close,' Flanagan said. 'We could have pushed him if it was a semi-final or something like that. With his history, we told him he was playing all week and we'd get him to the start line, and then we were always going to pull him at the last minute because he's had that hamstring that has caused a few problems. 'Our staff thought it would be better off if he had a really good training week and then get him ready for next week.' The late change has opened the door for Lawson to make his NRL debut after joining the Dragons in the off-season following a decorated sevens career. Lawson went to two Olympics with the Australian side and scored a stack of tries for the national team, with the recruit doing well in his eight games in reserve grade where he scored a hat-trick against Manly last month. 'It was interesting with the presentation with his dad and his partner this morning that we presented a jersey to a bloke that's been to two Olympics and represented Australia numerous times,' Flanagan said. 'I think he's had 25 Test matches and he's been player of the year, so it was interesting that it's a reverse cycle that he's making his debut now in a different code. 'He's really excited about it and I'm really looking forward to him playing. 'One thing I know is that he'll compete really hard.' Maroons winger Valentine Holmes is set to play just 48 hours after the State of Origin opener, with the Dragons looking to build on their fantastic win over the Broncos before last week's bye. The Red V sit just outside the top eight but have the chance to move up the ladder during the Origin period where they'll be close to full strength. 'Every game is important, but in this period during Origin, some sides have different issues with a few players away,' their coach said. 'We're not disrupted, so (we have) to keep it simple, prepare well and make sure we're ready to play during this period. 'After the Origin period, it's just a race to the finals. If you get this period right then you put yourself in with a chance.'
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bulldogs skipper Crichton avoids ban, can face Titans
Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton has escaped a ban and, fitness pending, will be free to face the Gold Coast after his sloppy tackle attempt led to a St George Illawarra penalty try. The Samoan international was placed on report after his knees made contact with Christian Tuipulotu as he attempted to cross the line in the Bulldogs' 28-20 NRL win on Saturday. The former Penrith premiership centre on Sunday copped a grade one dangerous contact charge and can accept an $1800 fine with an early guilty plea. Count it! 🔥#BreatheFire #NRLDragonsBulldogs — St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) March 8, 2025 It leaves him free to face Gold Coast on Sunday, providing he has overcome the issues that saw him finish Saturday's clash on the sideline. Crichton was visibly in discomfort as he was tended to by a trainer as the Dogs held off a fast-finishing home side, the captain then failing to front the customary post-match press conference. Coach Cameron Ciraldo downplayed concerns, saying it was simply a case of lower-body cramping. Fellow Bulldog Jacob Preston was also offered a fine for a dangerous contact charge, as was Dragon Emre Guler for his hip-drop tackle on Preston. Dragons outside back Mathew Feagai will also cop a fine for his contact on Bronson Xerri, and in Saturday's other game North Queensland's Karl Lawton received the same punishment for his contact on Manly's Reuben Garrick.
