Phoenix Crossland banned for four matches after Cleary injury

Newcastle Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland has been handed a four-match suspension by the NRL judiciary for a hip-drop tackle that caused a compound fracture and dislocation to Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary. The decision means the 26-year-old will miss the NRL grand final against the Sydney Roosters and the first three pool games of New Zealand's Rugby League World Cup campaign.

During the preliminary final on Sunday, Crossland was sent off in the 36th minute for the tackle. The incident left Cleary requiring emergency surgery at Royal North Shore Hospital. Cleary, who was already playing with a broken bone in his right foot, is expected to face a lengthy recovery period.

At the 80-minute judiciary hearing, Crossland pleaded guilty and described the fallout as "the worst couple of days of my life". He expressed remorse, stating, "I apologise to Nathan and the Panthers and more importantly the game and the fans". Crossland also revealed he had contacted Cleary and his father, Ivan Cleary, to apologise.

While Crossland's lawyer requested a two-to-three-match ban, the judiciary panel imposed a four-match penalty. The panel noted that the fact a grand final would be missed is irrelevant to the sentencing. In Crossland's absence, Harrison Graham is expected to start at dummy half for the Knights in the title decider.

How it developed

• Wed 30 Sep, 10:37amThe judiciary panel included members Ryan James and Paul Simpkins, with Geoff Bellew as chair.

Where reports differ

• One report suggested Crossland's lawyer requested a two-to-three-game ban, while another specified a two-game ban was appropriate.

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, RNZ, Stuff and 1News.