Ominous signs for Newcastle star in NRL’s judiciary call
Phoenix Crossland’s hopes of playing in the NRL grand final lies in the hands of the judiciary after the Newcastle star was reported for an ugly hip drop tackle.
Crossland was sent off the field in the first half of Newcastle’s preliminary final win over the Panthers on Sunday, with his ugly act resulting in a gruesome injury for Nathan Cleary.
Crossland looks down after being sent off the field. NRL Images
Cleary was taken via a medicab off the field after the incident and has since undergone surgery on his foot for a compound fracture.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary confirmed his son and star halfback would also undergo surgery on his other foot, which he fractured in the first week of finals series.
Several league greats were content with Crossland being sent off for the incident, with Andrew Johns recognising the Knights gun would “be lucky” to stay on field.
Crossland will likely face a hefty ban when he fronts the judiciary on Tuesday, but Newcastle will be looking to do whatever it takes to clear him for the grand final.
The odds of being cleared are low due to the severity of Cleary’s injury.
Newcastle will also be aware of the history of past players at the judiciary for hip drop tackle. The likes of Patrick Carrigan and Ryan Couchman have fronted the judiciary in the past for hip drop offences and copped four-game bans.
The duo’s sanctions were reduced from five game bans due to early plea deals. Crossland does not have an early plea deal option.
Newcastle coach Justin Holbrook was not asked about the incident directly during his press conference, but Crossland could not hide his emotions at half-time.
Nine’s cameras showed the 26-year-old sitting with his boots off in the sheds as his teammates ran out for the second half, holding his head in his hands.
Holbrook did reveal post-game that Crossland was “emotional” in the sheds.
“He’s awesome. He’s been so great every week for us this year,” he said.
“Hopefully he is OK. Hopefully Nathan’s OK, too.”
The Knights will take on the Sydney Roosters in the grand final on Sunday.
