Dragons forward Ryan Couchman faced a four-game ban in March for a hip-drop tackle, with a similar suspension meaning Crossland would be out until at least the semi-finals if New Zealand makes it that far.
Phoenix Crossland (left) will be out of the NRL Grand Final, while referee Adam Gee has been appointed to take charge of the match. Photo / Photosport
The Wellington-born forward received several abusive messages on social media over the incident, with Cleary defending him from his hospital bed.
“Please don’t be one of these people writing comments like this to Phoenix, it was a complete accident and he doesn’t deserve this unwarranted hate,” Cleary wrote in an Instagram story.
“He reached out to apologise and I have nothing but respect for him.
“He’s a competitor and our game is made up of split-second moments that sometimes lead to unfortunate circumstances.
“Comments like this are so unfair. Spread love, not hate.“
Meanwhile, Adam Gee will referee the grand final with Chris Butler in the Bunker.
Gee refereed the Roosters’ preliminary final victory over the Dolphins, which saw them advance to the showpiece event. He previously took charge of the 2023 grand final between Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers, which the Sydney-based side won 26-24.
Gerard Sutton, who had the whistle for the Knights’ epic preliminary final victory over the Panthers, was overlooked for the job, but Butler was in the Bunker for that fixture.
Ashley Klein, who oversaw all three men’s State of Origin matches this season, was on Bunker duty for the Roosters’ win and will be there again earlier on grand final day for the State championship match between NSW Cup premiers Penrith and QLD Cup winners the Dolphins.
He had been demoted from on-field duties after the Warriors’ loss to the Knights at Eden Park, when several contentious calls did not go the home side’s way.