Nathan Cleary injured as Knights reach grand final for first time in 25 years
Newcastle beat Penrith 22-14 to reach their first NRL grand final since 2001.
Nathan Cleary suffered a broken leg in the 58th minute when tackled by Phoenix Crossland and was sent from the field. Playing 12-men for most of the match, the Panthers fought back but Newcastle's Sandon Smith scored a crucial intercept try on the final play to seal the win.
Kalyn Ponga's playmaking and leadership shaped the contest in wet conditions. Cleary, the Panthers' four-time premiership leader, had to be carried from Accor Stadium and found out the final score on the way to hospital.
Newcastle's triumph ended 25 years of grand final drought for the coal-mining town.
- Newcastle 22 Penrith 14
- Final score
- 58th minute
- Cleary's injury minute
- 25 years
- Newcastle's grand final drought
- Phoenix Crossland
- Tackle maker
Why it mattersCleary's injury shapes the NRL grand final next week and raises questions about Penrith's ability to replace their halfback-organiser when they need him most.
AustraliaNewcastle's unexpected finals run has energised rugby league in NSW and Queensland; the grand final will likely draw record audiences to see the Knights' first decider in a generation.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 6 h ago
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