Knights' Crossland Faces Judiciary Over Tackle That Injured Cleary
Newcastle's Phoenix Crossland awaits a judiciary hearing for a hip-drop tackle that resulted in Nathan Cleary's season-ending leg injury, potentially impacting his World Cup prospects.
Newcastle Knights player Phoenix Crossland is set to face the National Rugby League (NRL) judiciary over a tackle that caused Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary to suffer a compound fracture of his leg. The incident occurred during the preliminary final match on Sunday.
Crossland was sent off in the 35th minute for the hip-drop tackle, which left Cleary in significant pain. Despite his dismissal, the Knights secured a 22-14 victory to advance to the Grand Final, their first since 2001. The win, however, was overshadowed by the injury to Cleary, who was taken from the field on a medicab and subsequently to hospital for surgery.
Cleary's father and Panthers coach Ivan Cleary confirmed his son required surgery on both the newly injured ankle and a pre-existing broken foot. Cleary had already been on the interchange bench due to the foot injury, and his season is now over, also ruling him out of Australia's World Cup campaign.
Referee Gerard Sutton explained his decision to send Crossland off, citing the player's upward starting position and a clear action to twist, bringing weight down on the leg, which carried an extreme risk of serious injury. Former players, including Cooper Cronk and Luke Keary, commented on the incident, with Keary acknowledging that the severity of Cleary's injury influenced his assessment of the tackle.
The charge against Crossland is dangerous contact. His hearing is expected to take place at the NRL's Moore Park headquarters on Tuesday night. A lengthy suspension could also jeopardize his availability for New Zealand's World Cup squad, where he was anticipated to serve as a utility player.
Penrith also faced other injury concerns during the match, with Dylan Edwards reportedly rupturing his PCL and Isaah Yeo playing with a torn pectoral muscle. The club's World Cup participation for both players is now uncertain.
The Knights will proceed to the Grand Final to face the Sydney Roosters, aiming for their first premiership in 25 years.