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Crossland enters plea for tackle that hurt Cleary
Scott Bailey, AAP •  September 29th, 2026 4:02 pm
Phoenix Crossland became just the second player sent off in an NRL final | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Newcastle have given up any hope of Phoenix Crossland playing in the NRL grand final, after entering a guilty plea for the hip-drop tackle that injured Nathan Cleary.
Crossland is due to front the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night, when he will learn how many matches he will serve as a result of the tackle in Newcastle's preliminary-final win.
It's understood the Knights hooker called Cleary on Monday to apologise over the tackle that left the Penrith star needing emergency surgery on a compound fracture and dislocated ankle.
Nathan Cleary's injury was one of the worst suffered on an NRL field this season | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Cleary has accepted the 26-year-old's apology, while also taking to social media to make clear he felt the tackle was an accident.
Newcastle's guilty plea means Crossland is guaranteed to serve some suspension, with the judiciary to now deliberate on how long.
Under the NRL's judiciary code, any matters referred are considered to be worse than a grade-three charge, meaning there is no scope for a fine.
There is also no scope for Crossland to have his suspension deferred until next season and after Sunday's grand final against the Sydney Roosters.
Any ban Crossland receives will carry into the end-of-season Rugby League World Cup, with the No.9 expected to be selected for New Zealand.
It's anticipated Crossland will face at least three matches, given a grade-three dangerous contact charge carries a two-game suspension.
The NRL will likely push for a longer ban given Cleary's injury can be taken into account, while Newcastle believe the accidental nature and Crossland's remorse should be considered.
Penrith staff had to hold Nathan Cleary's left foot in place as he was taken off the field | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Crossland's 1077 tackles this year are the most of any player in the NRL, with the incident on Cleary only the second time he has been charged in 2026.
The Newcastle hooker cut a dejected figure before being sent off and while in the sheds on Saturday night.
"He's holding up pretty well," second-rower Francis Manuleleua told AAP.
"I know he's probably hurting inside, but with how fast the game is going, those accidents are bound to happen.
"It is what it is and hopefully Cleary recovers well and gets back on the field ASAP."
Crossland was at Newcastle headquarters on Tuesday morning, and will travel to Sydney for the hearing.
It comes after Cleary called out those peppering the embattled Knight with social-media abuse and threats.
"Please don't be one of those people writing comments like this to Phoenix," Cleary posted alongside a graphic of some of the abuse Crossland had received.
"It was a complete accident and he doesn't deserve the unwarranted hate. He reached out to apologise and I have nothing but respect for him.
"He's a competitor and our game is made up of split-second moments that sometimes lead to unfortunate circumstances.
"Comments like this are so unfair. Spread love, not hate."
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