Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland will miss the NRL grand final and most of the Rugby League World Cup after he was banned for four matches at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night.

Crossland pleaded guilty to a dangerous contact charge over the hip-drop tackle that resulted in a horror leg injury for Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary during Sunday’s preliminary final.

Nathan Cleary of the Panthers is tackled by Phoenix Crossland of the Knights. Getty Images

Crossland was referred straight to the judiciary for the tackle which resulted in a compound fracture and dislocation for Cleary, who now faces a months-long recovery period after undergoing emergency surgery.

The in-form rake contacted Cleary on Monday to apologise and wish him well in his recovery, while Cleary called out trolls for abusing Crossland on social media.

Crossland was sent off by referee Gerard Sutton for the tackle, leaving Newcastle a man down for most of the game against the four-time premiers.

But the Knights somehow pulled off a miracle win, holding Penrith scoreless for the entire second half to qualify for their first NRL grand final since 2001.

There has been plenty of debate whether Crossland should have been sent off or not.

“Not all season has anyone been sent off for that offence,” Phil Gould said on Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday night.

“Everyone has either been sin-binned or put on report.

“I know it was Nathan Cleary and he’s our game’s No.1 player, and it was a horrible injury, but all year it was not a send-off offence.”

After the hearing, Crossland spoke for 30 seconds and didn’t take questions.

“I want to thank everyone inside for a fair hearing, I apologise to Nathan and the Panthers and the game and fans,” he said.

“It’s a terrible start to the most important week of the year due to myself and as soon as I walk out of this building my focus goes to the Newcastle Knights and winning this grand final and helping Harrison Graham prepare as best he can and get a win on Sunday.”

Teams for the grand final will be named at 4pm on Tuesday, with the Knights now needing to find a new hooker for the title decider.

Crossland is also eligible to represent New Zealand for the World Cup but would miss three matches of their campaign if selected.

Phoenix Crossland outside the judiciary. Nine

Nine’s Zac Bailey reported Crossland choked back tears at the judiciary as he explained how it had been the “world couple of days” of his life after being responsible for Cleary’s injury.

“Crossland was extremely remorseful and emotional … choking back tears saying this was meant to be the best week of his life, instead it’s been the worst couple of days of his life because of the extent of Nathan Cleary’s injury who is his favourite player,” Bailey wrote on X.

Further reporting from the judiciary revealed Crossland had called Ivan Cleary to apologise too.