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The 26-year-old has been able to stay involved in the grand final build-up but that will change during the game on Sunaday.
Crossland has remained a key part of the Knights’ grand final week,The 26-year-old was even named in the No.9 jersey by the Knights, and was backstage at Thursday’s NRL fan-fest at Martin Place cheering on teammates.
He will also be able to join the Knights in the dressing rooms ahead of Sunday’s grand final against the Sydney Roosters, and be in the warm-up room pre-game. But NRL rules prevent him from sitting on the Knights bench during the match. Instead, the New Zealand international will be forced to remain in the players’ enclosure behind it. Crossland will then be allowed to enter the field after fulltime to celebrate or commiserate with teammates.
Credit: AAP He will also be able to join celebrations with the trophy if Newcastle pull off an upset, but will not be on stage for the official handover.his four-match ban at the NRL judiciary“That was his jersey all year,” coach Justin Holbrook said this week when explaining why he kept him at No.9.
“We love the job he’s done, he’s a big part of our team. I felt like I didn’t want to replace that jersey for the last game of the year. ” An emotional Crossland reached out to Cleary on Monday to say sorry for the hip-drop tackle that left him requiring emergency surgery, with the Penrith superstar having accepted his apology.
Cleary also took to social media afterwards to urge users to stop abusing the Newcastle hooker, and to point out that the tackle was a clear accident.
“It’s been the worst couple of days of my life,” a tearful Crossland said. “He was such a gentleman and told me not to worry and to stop saying sorry because these things just happen.
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