Newcastle Knights coach Justin Holbrook said he would be open to supporting a rule change for the NRL grand final after Phoenix Crossland was ruled out of the big game. Knights No.9 Crossland received a four-game ban, which ruled him out of the grand final and opening part of the World Cup, for his hip-drop style tackle on Nathan Cleary against the Penrith Panthers.
Crossland was sent from the field in a decision that divided the NRL community. The Knights went on to win the preliminary final playing with 12 men for more than 40 minutes. However, Cleary ended up needing multiple surgeries on his leg after a fracture. The Panthers halfback is aiming for a return at the start of next season.
The tackle was an accident from Crossland and the Knights star reached out to Cleary to apologise after the incident. But the issue raised a debate around whether Crossland should have missed the final for the accidental tackle.
Crossland missed the NRL grand final loss to the Roosters with the Knights missing the star’s workload in defence. And the incident has now been put to Holbrook following the defeat.
Speaking to SEN Radio, Holbrook said he would be open to supporting a change to the rules to allow players to defer a suspension for big games if it was accidental. “100 per cent. As I said, it’s hard…for anyone to have a chance of a grand final. Phoenix is a local junior, played his whole life here. To finally get into a grand final,” Holbrook said when asked about a possible change to the rules.
“It is foul play, it’s a dangerous tackle we wants it out of the game. But it also still an accident how he got in that position. He hasn’t flown out of the line and put a high tackle in. I definitely support it…I really felt for him.” Holbrook suggested the rule could see players defer it for a big game, but increase the suspension.
Phoenix Crossland (pictured right) was handed a four game ban for his tackle on Nathan Cleary. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Phoenix Crossland set for return at World Cup
Holbrook also admitted missing Crossland was a blow in the grand final. “We had Phoenix Crossland, who was a huge part of our year, he was obviously missing. And we were missing a couple of our front-rowers. So they were always going to play that power game as they always do,” Holbrook said of the grand final.
Unfortunately for Cleary he will miss the entire World Cup campaign for the Kangaroos. Crossland has only just served his four game ban and is now available for New Zealand. Crossland has been named in the reserves for this weekend’s semi-final against Tonga.
Crossland is in the reserves, but could find his way onto the bench to provide cover at dummy-half come game day. The Knights No.9 enjoyed his best season of his career and would be a huge boost on the bench for New Zealand.