Cleary asks fans to stop abusing Crossland before judiciary hearing

Penrith star Nathan Cleary has defended Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland and urged rugby league fans to stop sending him abusive messages before a disciplinary hearing over the tackle that seriously injured Cleary. Cleary said on Instagram that the incident was a complete accident and that Crossland did not deserve the online abuse directed at him. He added that Crossland had contacted him to apologise and that he had nothing but respect for the Newcastle player.

Cleary suffered a compound fracture and a dislocated ankle in the tackle and required emergency surgery. He was later pictured in hospital, where he posted an upbeat message indicating that he expected to return to action. Crossland was sent off during Newcastle’s 22-14 victory, which secured the Knights a place in the grand final.

The hooker was referred directly to the NRL judiciary, with a hearing scheduled for 6pm Australian Eastern Standard Time. Some online comments accused Crossland of deliberately making the tackle and included threats against him. Cleary said the game involved split-second decisions that could produce unfortunate outcomes, and called the abuse unfair.

Newcastle director of football Chris James said the club would present its case at the hearing. He described the tackle as a bad accident occurring at speed and under fatigue, while saying Crossland had made more NRL tackles than any other player and had made one mistake. Knights coach Justin Holbrook said Crossland had been disappointed and needed support after the match.

James said Newcastle respected Cleary’s career and hoped for his speedy recovery, while also pledging to support Crossland during the disciplinary process. Crossland is expected to miss Newcastle’s grand final against the Sydney Roosters if suspended. The article said the longest suspension for a hip-drop tackle had been five weeks, a penalty that could also affect Crossland’s availability for the World Cup final if his team qualifies.