Brief
Phoenix Crossland sent off for tackle that broke Nathan Cleary’s ankle
The match review committee referred Crossland straight to the NRL judiciary after the tackle that left Cleary with a compound ankle fracture.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Newcastle Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland was sent off in the first half of the preliminary final for a hip‑drop tackle that broke Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary’s ankle. The match review committee did not attach a grading to the incident, meaning Crossland faces a lengthy suspension that would rule him out of the grand final and the start of the next season.
Cleary was taken to hospital from Accor Stadium after the injury. He had already been playing with a broken right foot, which he would need surgery for, and the ankle injury was a compound fracture on his left leg.
Key facts
- Phoenix Crossland was sent off for a hip‑drop tackle that broke Nathan Cleary’s ankle (smh.com.au)
- The match review committee did not attach a grading to the incident (smh.com.au)
- Crossland faces a lengthy suspension that would rule him out of the grand final (smh.com.au)
- Nathan Cleary was taken to hospital after the injury (smh.com.au)
- Cleary had a broken right foot and would need surgery (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Phoenix Crossland referred to NRL judiciary over hip-drop that led to Nathan Cleary injury”
