![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1790546292_228_poster-fallback.png\"\/)
<\/p>\n
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n
The distressing scenes sparked a send-off debate and had one media personality calling for drastic action to end the NRL\u2019s hip-drop problem.<\/p>\n
Elsewhere, one NRL great has made a big call as the league looks to farewell Mark Nawaqanitawase.<\/p>\n
SEND-OFF SPARKS DRASTIC CALL FOR CHANGE TO SOLVE HIP-DROP ISSUE<\/p>\n
Phoenix Crossland put an illegal hip drop tackle on Nathan Cleary which broke his leg badly in Sunday\u2019s preliminary final, but should he have been sent off?<\/p>\n
The ugly incident in the 35th minute of the grand final qualifier rubbed Cleary and Crossland out of the game after one was stretchered off while the other was given his marching orders by referee Gerard Sutton.<\/p>\n
The officials had time to think about what to do with Crossland as the Bunker watched replays of the horror tackle.<\/p>\n
Sutton told Crossland and Knights captain Kalyn Ponga: \u201cInitially he\u2019s up high. He makes a definite action so (he) twists, comes down on the leg with weight. It\u2019s extreme risk of serious injury. You\u2019re off.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was the first-ever send-off for a hip drop tackle.<\/p>\n
After the game on Finals Footy with Matty Johns, former Test forward Nathan Hindmarsh thought it was only worth a sin-bin.<\/p>\n
\u201cWas it worth the send off though?\u201d Hindmarsh asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor what it\u2019s done to Nathan, I get that, but it\u2019s not an intentional act. It\u2019s sometimes unavoidable.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand if it\u2019s intentional and they\u2019ve done it on purpose, sure send them off. I thought 10 in the bin was enough.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johns wasn\u2019t feeling good about the incident from the moment it occurred.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen it happened my gut feel was that it was a send off,\u201d Johns said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs soon as the Medicab came on the Bunker had a look at it and it\u2019s unfortunate that they use the injury (to judge if it was a send-off),\u201d Bryan Fletcher added.<\/p>\n
At halftime the send off was debated by Fox League\u2019s Luke Keary, Greg Alexander and Cooper Cronk.<\/p>\n
Nathan Cleary suffers compound fracture | 01:02<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t think it was a send-off initially, but you\u2019ve got to take into account the severity of the injury,\u201d Keary said. <\/p>\n
Cronk felt Sutton and the Bunker got together to make the right call.<\/p>\n
\u201cI cannot really argue with what Sutton has done there. It\u2019s one of the rare rules where if there\u2019s severe injury, it\u2019s severe force,\u201d Cronk said.<\/p>\n
Fox League\u2019s Steve Roach felt Crossland had the chance not to drop down into Cleary\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought he beat him then he dropped down on the leg. I thought it was a fair call. There was a fair amount of pressure on the leg which is why it was broken,\u201d Roach said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Fox League\u2019s Warren Smith went as far as to declare all hip drop tackles should become mandatory send-offs if the NRL is to stamp out the tackle once and for all.<\/p>\n
Crossland is almost certain to miss next week\u2019s grand final given the extent of Cleary\u2019s injury.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, Ryan Couchman was suspended for four weeks after a hip drop tackle caused J\u2019maine Hopgood to tear his ACL, while Mitch Kenny copped a week for a hip drop on Isaiah Iongi which resulted in a syndesmosis injury.<\/p>\n
On Friday night Victor Radley and Isaiya Katoa were charged with hip drop tackles but escaped suspension because the on-one got injured.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve seen players get injured with hip drop injuries this year and the player at the centre of it, I don\u2019t think anyone\u2019s got off when there\u2019s been an injury,\u201d Alexander said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t want to see anyone miss a grand final and I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll try and get him off and they can roll the dice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hindmarsh felt that Crossland had been punished enough with the send-off.<\/p>\n
\u201cWill he miss the grand final? I hope he doesn\u2019t. He didn\u2019t come in and take his head off. I know Nathan\u2019s broken his leg and a lot of people are going to say \u2018Hindy you\u2019ve got no idea what you\u2019re talking about\u2019 but it\u2019s just rugby league, it just happens,\u201d Hindmarsh said. <\/p>\n
‘I didn’t think it was a send off’ | 03:28<\/p>\n
BIG SBW CALL AS NRL PREPARES TO FAREWELL \u2018FREAKISH\u2019 STAR<\/p>\n
Farewell Mark Nawaqanitawase \u2013 after the grand final, that is.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s fair to say the former Wallabies flyer has left a huge mark on the NRL during his three years in rugby league.<\/p>\n
So much so, league legend Michael Ennis delivered this staggering statement: \u201cI have not been as disappointed to lose someone as Sonny Bill Williams.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeter (V\u2019landys) would not want to lose him either. We are losing a big star.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nawaqanitawase joined the Roosters mid-way through the 2024 season, going on to make his NRL debut that year before cementing his spot in the Tricolours\u2019 backline.<\/p>\n
From there, the 26-year-old has gone from strength to strength, utilising his skills from the 15-man code to become one of rugby league\u2019s best wingers.<\/p>\n
However, there was a time when doubts were cast over his ability to cut it in the NRL.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s phenomenal, when he came over from rugby it was, this transition may take a while,\u201d Ennis explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s so much expected of the modern winger, not only to be able to finish and we knew the aerial ability he had\u2026 but the defensive movements, the tough carries.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only has he got that right at club level, he has gone on to play for Australia and play Origin.\u201d<\/p>\n
As aforementioned, Nawaqanitawase has not only put those doubts to bed, but gone on to play representative football and join an elite club as a dual international.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is such a joy to watch, he looks like he is having the time of his life out there. Flick passes, chip and chases, he can do it all,\u201d Adam Reynolds said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a shame that we lose him\u2026 young kids would be out in the backyard trying to replicate him. He has been an outstanding player for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
PRESS CONFERENCES<\/p>\n
PANTHERS: Ivan\u2019s heartbreaking Nathan call \u2014 and admission he \u2018can\u2019t explain\u2019 loss<\/a><\/p>\n KNIGHTS: Holbrook\u2019s powerful response to question… and cheeky Ponga moment<\/a><\/p>\n Did Marky Mark get lucky with this pass? | 00:31<\/p>\n Meanwhile, for Roosters legend Cooper Cronk \u2013 Nawaqanitawase\u2019s ability to pick up the nuances of rugby league has been the most impressive aspect of his short stint.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, there\u2019s athleticism. Yes, there\u2019s natural ability and freakish moments,\u201d Cronk said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut on the other side, his defensive play. I think we need to give Trent Robinson and the Roosters coaching staff a wrap here because he didn\u2019t have that when he came.<\/p>\n \u201cThe awareness to put his mit out and pop up, he\u2019s done that twice now in the finals series. Big moments, so yes he\u2019s got the X-factor but he has this footy intelligence.\u201d<\/p>\n Nawaqanitawase has signed a two-year deal with Japanese Japanese rugby club Saitama Wild Knights \u2013 but it may not be the end of his NRL career.<\/p>\n The gun flyer has consistently suggested he would be open to a return in 2029, and Robinson didn\u2019t pour cold water on that move in his post-match press conference.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s incredible to watch him play,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s pretty rare for what he\u2019s doing, to be such a free and carefree player, and instinctive.<\/p>\n \u201cHe faked to stop the defender (Farnworth), and then he grabbed the ball, and then he moved. The stuff he comes up with every week is very rare. I haven\u2019t seen anything like it.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be nice if he hung around the Roosters for a bit longer, but the time he\u2019s had here and the impact he\u2019s had on the game is very special.\u201d<\/p>\n WHY WALKING WOUNDED PANTHERS WILL BE BACK<\/p>\n The Panthers lost Nathan Cleary to a horrific leg break in their preliminary finals loss to the Knights.<\/p>\n Now the champion halfback joins what shapes as a mammoth casualty ward for Penrith \u2014 especially when you take a look at their salary cap.<\/p>\n Isaah Yeo played the final weeks of the season with a ruptured pectoral muscle, while Ivan Cleary revealed post-game that Dylan Edwards also also wounded.<\/p>\n \u201cThe guy sitting next to me (Yeo) is also playing with a fully ruptured pec and I\u2019m not sure it has been done before. Dylan Edwards ruptures PCL in the first half tonight and played on, so we we\u2019re probably just falling apart a little bit,\u201d Cleary said.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why I was probably even more emotional after what happened to him (Nathan) because I knew how hard he worked and what he put himself through to actually get himself to play today.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to just pay full credit to the Knights and their supporters, it was just a great day for their club and sets up a pretty good grand final.\u201d<\/p>\n Throw in the mix a ruptured Achilles suffered by Blaize Talagi and pre-existing injuries that sidelined Izack Tago and Paul Alamoti for Sunday\u2019s clash \u2014 and the Panthers end their season with an estimated $4.6 million recovering in the casualty ward.<\/p>\n And while battling through that staggering deficit, albeit with Edwards and Yeo on the field, their coach was still baffled by their attacking output to close out the game.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t really explain what happened in the second half,\u201d Cleary said.<\/p>\n The Panthers bow out of the title race as a team wounded to the extreme, but their loss on Sunday marked their seventh straight preliminary finals appearance.<\/p>\n It\u2019s hard to think that the juggernaut at the foot of the mountain won\u2019t be there again next season, even if they have a big hurdle to overcome.<\/p>\n Depending on the severity of Cleary\u2019s injury, he could be missing for a period at the start of the 2027 season while Talagi is set for a lengthy recovery stint.<\/p>\n Jack Cole is departing for the Perth Bears, leaving Jack Cogger as Penrith\u2019s only remaining recognised playmaker in their top 30.<\/p>\n The arrival of Jett Cleary, who showed promise in his NRL debut earlier this year, could be a timely one for Penrith.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the duo of Kurt Falls and Haami Loza steered the Panthers to a NSW Cup title and both could push to start the year in the top grade.<\/p>\n Roosters punch ticket to the Grand Final | 07:55<\/p>\n AWKWARD QUESTION HANGS OVER DOLPHINS AFTER BIG YEAR<\/p>\n Despite the disappointment of Friday night, the Dolphins can hold their head up high after the season they\u2019ve had. <\/p>\n In just their fourth season, Kristian Woolf\u2019s men progressed to a prelim and were one win from a decider. <\/p>\n \u201cThey can be proud of the season they\u2019ve had. They came from outside the eight and gave the comp a red-hot shake,\u201d premiership winning halfback Adam Reynolds said on Fox League. <\/p>\n \u201cIf they keep the majority of that squad together for the next couple of years, there\u2019s no reason why they can\u2019t go further. There\u2019s loads of talent in that team, it\u2019s just about keeping them together. <\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re such a good team to watch, they have strike across the park and their fans can be proud, but unfortunately tonight, it was a hurdle too far. <\/p>\n However, a bunning question looms. Is the premiership window closing?<\/p>\n With several stars off contract at the end of next season, including Herbie Farnworth, Jack Bostock and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, it\u2019s unlikely the club\u2019s explosive backline will stay intact beyond 2027 due to a salary cap crunch.<\/p>\n In addition, five-eighth Kodi Nikorima is out the door, heading to the Dragons in the off-season while winger Jamayne Isaako will be at the Storm next year.<\/p>\n Nikorima will be replaced by veteran half George Williams.<\/p>\n All of this has former NRL star Michael Ennis concerned.<\/p>\n PLAYER RATINGS<\/p>\n PANTHERS: Enforcer\u2019s defining act to leave regrets; injury-ravaged stars fall apart<\/a><\/p>\n KNIGHTS: Unsung hero\u2019s game for the ages; ex-Panther haunts former side<\/a><\/p>\n Was this clearly put down on the line? | 01:05<\/p>\n \u201cThe loss of Kodi Nikorima is a significant one because of the chemistry behind he and Katoa. George Williams will have to pick up where Kodi left off,\u201d Ennis said.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s also talk that the contracts of Farnworth and Bostock are not going to be able to keep this backline together plus Jamyane Isaako is out the door to the Storm.\u201d<\/p>\n The Roosters were simply the better team and as Woolf said in his press conference, deserved to win. <\/p>\n However, as NRL legend Cooper Cronk noted, there was a key moment which changed the game completely in the Roosters\u2019 favour. <\/p>\n At the time, the Dolphins had all the momentum and ascendancy over the Roosters.<\/p>\n \u201cThis game changed in the 18th minute when Mark Nawaqanitawase took that intercept and ran the other way. If Selwyn Cobbo gets that ball, I\u2019m pretty certain he scores,\u201d Cronk said.<\/p>\n \u201cThey were dominant for the first 15 minutes, they were winning the field position battle and if Cobbo scores, it\u2019s a completely different mindset because they let a couple of tries in and it was 16-0 after 30 minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n History suggests it could turn out to be a loss the Dolphins need before going on with it. <\/p>\n Given there were a few players taking part in their first prelim, lessons will be learned as Cronk noted.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you haven\u2019t experienced something before, it\u2019s hard to be confident, be brave and when you hesitate in a prelim, you get caught out,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t believe in the theory that you have to lose one to win one, but I tell you what, it helps. This moment for the Dolphins, could be the reason they win the next grand final because a lot of those young men would\u2019ve learnt a lot of lessons on what it takes.\u201d<\/p>\n Woolf: ‘They deserved the win’ | 05:50<\/p>\n WHY \u2018SELFLESS\u2019 DCE DESERVES PRAISE<\/p>\n Five weeks ago, the odds of Sam Walker and Daly Cherry-Evans combining to win the NRL title were fairly long.<\/p>\n Walker came off in a loss to the Dolphins at home with what looked like a season-ending syndesmosis injury.<\/p>\n It required surgery, which normally means a player is out for eight weeks or more, but Walker said after the operation that he\u2019d be back in a month if the Roosters made a preliminary final.<\/p>\n Not only did he do that against the Dolphins on Friday night, but he set up a try and scored one himself to get the Roosters into their first grand final since 2019.<\/p>\n \u201cThey targeted Sam Walker because he\u2019s come off a syndesmosis injury but he was strong,\u201d Fox League\u2019s Kevin Walters said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe didn\u2019t just run out on the field and pass the ball, he had a hand in a couple of tries and kicked well and hats off to him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat an effort by Sam Walker to get himself not only back on the field and playing but it\u2019s a prelim final, one of the biggest games of the year. A lot of his attacking work was smart and very tactical.\u201d<\/p>\n Broncos two-time premiership winner Adam Reynolds praised Walker\u2019s return, saying \u201cthere was no sign of rust at all\u201d.<\/p>\n Cooper Cronk said Walker only came back so quickly because he would\u2019ve been rehabilitating his injured ankle around the clock.<\/p>\n \u201cThe physio and the doctors at the Roosters are first class. They would have done everything two times over to get him right,\u201d Cronk said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe mindset of Sam Walker, you tell him that he can\u2019t do something, he\u2019ll say, no, I can do it twice as hard as you think again. He was in a hospital bed and said he\u2019ll come back.\u201d<\/p>\n ‘Made them feel like 14 men!’ | 09:02<\/p>\n What about the attitude of Cherry-Evans?<\/p>\n With all his experience it would\u2019ve been hard to come in and allow the younger Walker to run the footy side.<\/p>\n Cherry-Evans had been running Manly since 2011, but he put his ego aside to allow Walker to take control while he played a supporting role.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s selfless from Cherry-Evans to say, \u2018hey, he is the guy, he is the future. I\u2019m coming here to help out and play a role, but he\u2019s your main guy\u2019,\u201d Cronk said.<\/p>\n \u201cI think Daly Cherry-Evans needs to get a lot of raps for the way that he\u2019s been selfless, team first, and done his bit.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been okay this year, but his last six weeks have been his best football in five years.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s been a breakthrough year for Walker after proving himself at State of Origin level and he is not only 80 minutes away from a premiership, but he could be wearing green and gold next month.<\/p>\n Nathan Cleary won\u2019t be at the World Cup after breaking his leg in Sunday\u2019s preliminary final loss to the Knights.<\/p>\n Walker may be running the Australian Test side soon.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat started out as just a club season could end up with an Origin, a premiership, and a potential Australian jersey,\u201d Fox League\u2019s Michael Ennis said.<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n \u2018PENRITH\u2019S PROBLEM\u2019: Controversial moment that flipped prelim… and had Panthers fuming<\/a><\/p>\n