+34
Former NRL stars debate the severity of Crossland's hip drop tackle on Cleary, with some arguing for strict punishment to stamp out dangerous play while others view it as an unfortunate mishap.
‘Was it that bad? ’ Great’s wild call on Cleary tackle as hefty ban to impact World Cup... and beyond Get the expert take on NRL Grand Final Day with FOX LEAGUE’s extensive coverage, plus full and mini replays available post-game on Kayo Sport s | New to Kayo?
Crossland was sent off in Sunday’s preliminary final win over Penrith after a hip drop tackle resulted in a nasty compound fracture to the champion halfback. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Speaking on NRL 360 on Monday night, journalist Dean Ritchie said those against the send-off were missing an important point.
“The incident has happened. No-one goes out there to be malicious. No-one goes out there with intent, it doesn’t matter. People can’t seem to get it through their heads, it does not matter.
He’s committed the crime, he has to be punished.
“I think it’s a dinosaur, head-in-the-sand, approach to say ‘that’s rugby league, that’s what happens in rugby league’. We’ve got to stamp this tackle out. It’s clearly dangerous. ”Mitch Kenny spent months on the sidelines with a fractured fibula and syndesmosis injury after a Kodi Nikorima hip drop in a Round 7 match against the Dolphins.
The fact Kenny walked off the field meant Nikorima escaped a harsh punishment on the night before he was eventually suspended for two games.
“Was the incident that vicious? Was the incident that bad? The injury’s horrible,” Tallis said.
“There are some accidents in our game that just happen. And that’s a mishap. I feel a little bit sorry for Phoenix. ” Fellow ex-Australian Test player Braith Anasta initially didn’t think it was a send-off but understood that the injury to Cleary needed to play a part in the Bunker decision to remove Crossland from the game.
“Worst case scenario, this could impact his career moving forward and his longevity in our game. “I think it is a send-off, and I think as unfortunate as it is to Phoenix, and I feel horrible for him, I think everyone does because it wasn’t intentional, but it was bad. ”“I think it was pretty obvious that in that situation, he had to be sent off,” journalist Brent Read added.
“The fact is Nathan Cleary is in a hospital bed right now because of that tackle. There’s got to be a price to pay for that. ” Crossland has been referred straight to the judiciary and Read said he could forget about playing in the grand final on Sunday and possibly for New Zealand next month.
“It’s pretty obvious he’s going to get found guilty, I’d imagine and he’ll probably get rubbed out of the World Cup and maybe the start of next season,” Read said. “The outcome matters. If a guy breaks his leg it is different to a guy getting up and playing on.
NRL Rugby League Cleary Crossland Hip Drop Tackle
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
This 3100-km adventure is one of the world’s great rail journeysRiding the rails in luxury from Zimbabwe to Angola, via the Congo, is the trip of a lifetime.
Read more »
NRL world ‘speechless’ as Cleary rushed to hospital, horrific prelim incident sparks send-off debateNRL world ‘speechless’ as Cleary rushed to hospital, horrific prelim incident sparks send-off debate
Read more »
NRL 2026: Nathan Cleary injury sparks hip-drop debate, Phoenix Crossland send-off, Mark Nawaqanitawase contract, preliminary finals analysisDrastic move urged after ugly Cleary scene; great’s huge SBW call on ‘freakish’ star
Read more »
History behind Trump’s awkward handshake moment with Aussie great as Pres Cup ends curseHistory behind Trump’s awkward handshake moment with Aussie great as Pres Cup ends curse
Read more »