Crossland referred to NRL judiciary after tackle breaks Cleary’s leg

Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland has been referred directly to the NRL judiciary after the tackle that broke Nathan Cleary’s leg during the Knights’ preliminary-final win over Penrith. Crossland was sent off in the 36th minute at Stadium Australia after landing on Cleary’s lower left leg as the Panthers halfback ran at the line. Knights back-rower Francis Manuleleua also made contact high in the tackle.

Cleary’s injury was immediately apparent and medical staff treated him on the field before he was taken away on a medicab. Replays shown on the stadium screen prompted Penrith players and supporters to call for Crossland’s dismissal. Referee Gerard Sutton explained the decision to Crossland and Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga.

Sutton said Crossland had made a definite twisting action, brought his weight down on the leg and created an extreme risk of serious injury. Crossland was described as dejected in the sheds after the dismissal, but his teammates later embraced him on the field following Newcastle’s 22-14 comeback victory. The Knights reached their first men’s NRL grand final in 25 years and are scheduled to face the Roosters on Sunday.

The direct judiciary referral puts Crossland’s participation in the grand final in doubt. The supplied material does not state the date of his hearing or the charge’s final grading. There is a recent precedent for a severe penalty.

Dragons forward Ryan Couchman received a four-game suspension after being referred for a hip drop that ended Parramatta forward J’Maine Hopgood’s season. However, Broncos hooker Cory Paix was not penalised or charged after a tackle that left Manly prop Siosiua Taukeiaho with fractures in both the fibula and tibia. Manly reportedly queried that decision with the NRL.