Judiciary, injuries and Bulldogs

Newcastle skipper Andrew Johns will find out today whether he'll be charged by the NRL match review committee after his verbal spray in the direction of a touch judge on Friday night.

A charge and subsequent conviction would result in suspension given Johns has 93 carry over points. Manly props Brent Kite and Kylie Leuluai were put report for high tackles as were St George Illawarra's Justin Poore and Wests Tigers Jamaal Lolesi.

Melbourne's Michael Crocker could be in trouble for a lifting tackle, the backrower having already served a nine-match suspension for a dangerous throw this year.

Brisbane winger Tame Tupou has suffered a hamstring injury during his team's 18-12 loss to competition leader Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium.

The Kiwi international's injury will be assessed tomorrow but he's in serious doubt for the Broncos' clash with premiership favourites the Bulldogs at Telstra Stadium on Friday. The Storm racked up their 11th consecutive victory today while Brisbane lost its fifth straight match in front of more than 40,000 fans.

Meanwhile, Bulldogs lock Reni Maitua has labelled yesterday's scrappy 26-10 victory over St George Illawarra as "crap" and warned there is still 40 per cent more improvement in the Belmore club.

And coach Steve Folkes declared there would be no let-up despite the fact his side was unlikely to finish any higher or lower than second spot. The Bulldogs skipped away to an early 16-0 lead but Maitua was disappointed they didn't go on with the job in the second half.

Maitua also believes the Bulldogs are capable of matching runaway premiership leaders Melbourne come semi-finals time.