‘Worst couple of days of my life’: Crossland cops four-match ban for Cleary tackle

Newcastle Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland has been banned for four games by the NRL judiciary due to a tackle that resulted in Penrith's Nathan Cleary suffering a broken leg. Crossland admitted guilt to the dangerous contact charge in court on Tuesday before being informed of his punishment. The subsequent four-game suspension means he will be absent from this Sunday's NRL grand final.

The incident occurred in the 36th minute of Newcastle's preliminary final victory over the Panthers when Crossland executed a hip drop tackle on Cleary in the 36th minute. Cleary sustained a compound fracture and dislocated his ankle as a result. Crossland was represented by barrister James McLeod, who advocated for a ban of two to three weeks.

However, the NRL opted for a more severe four-game suspension, citing that Crossland's tackle failed to demonstrate proper care and caution towards Cleary, despite the tackle being accidental. Crossland expressed deep remorse for Cleary's injury and had reached out to the Panthers star, as well as his father, Ivan Cleary, coach of the Panthers.

Crossland described the incident as a low point in his life, stating that it overshadowed what should have been the best week of his career. The verdict raises the possibility of 19-year-old Knight Diesel Hagan making his NRL debut in the grand final, which would be the first time such a debut has occurred in 90 years. Eddie Lockhart was the last player to debut in a grand final back in 1936 for Balmain.

Harrison Graham is expected to start for Newcastle in the grand final, while alternatives for the Knights include Thomas Cant and Jermaine McEwen.