Brief
Phoenix Crossland receives four‑match ban for hip‑drop tackle on Nathan Cleary
The judiciary suspended Crossland for four games, ending his chance to play in Sunday’s grand final.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Newcastle Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland was handed a four‑match suspension by the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night after his hip‑drop tackle broke Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary’s ankle during the preliminary final on Sunday.
Crossland, 26, said the incident was “the worst couple of days of my life” and explained he had called Cleary’s father and coach Ivan Cleary to apologise. He also reached out directly to Nathan Cleary, who posted a supportive statement from his hospital bed.
The ban strips Crossland of a place in the Knights’ grand final against the Sydney Roosters and also removes him from the start of New Zealand’s World Cup campaign. In his absence, Harrison Graham will start at dummy‑half, with teenage hooker Diesel Hagan named in the extended squad.
Key facts
- Phoenix Crossland received a four‑match suspension for a hip‑drop tackle that broke Nathan Cleary’s ankle. (smh.com.au)
- The incident occurred in the first half of the preliminary final, leading to Crossland’s send‑off. (smh.com.au)
- Crossland apologised to Cleary’s father, coach Ivan Cleary, and the player himself after the injury. (smh.com.au)
- The suspension means Crossland will miss the NRL grand final and the start of New Zealand’s World Cup campaign. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Phoenix Crossland banned for four matches for hip-drop tackle that left Nathan Cleary with broken leg”
