Phoenix Crossland banned four matches after tackle breaks Cleary's leg
Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland was banned for four matches for a tackle that broke Nathan Cleary's leg.
Phoenix Crossland will miss the NRL grand final and most of the Rugby League World Cup. The Newcastle hooker was banned for four matches by the judiciary on Tuesday night.
Crossland pleaded guilty to a dangerous contact charge over the hip-drop tackle. The tackle gave Penrith star Nathan Cleary a compound fracture and dislocation during Sunday's preliminary final.
Cleary now faces months of recovery after emergency surgery. On Monday, Crossland apologised to Cleary on social media and thanked the judiciary for a fair hearing.
He said it was the worst couple of days of his life. Despite being sent off and playing most of the game with fewer players, Newcastle shocked four-time premiers Penrith to reach their first grand final since 2001.
The Knights now need to find a replacement hooker for the grand final this Sunday.
- 4 matches
- Match ban length
- 2001
- Newcastle's last grand final
- Compound fracture and dislocation
- Injury type
Why it mattersCrossland's absence leaves Newcastle without their in-form hooker for the biggest game of the year, forcing a late lineup change a week before the grand final.
AustraliaThe NRL grand final this Sunday will now feature Newcastle without their regular hooker, reshaping a match that Australian rugby league fans are closely watching.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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