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Knights working behind the scenes as Phoenix Crossland awaits judiciary outcome
Sport Nation • September 29th, 2026 12:58 pm
Phoenix Crossland is sent off by referee Gerard Sutton after the hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Newcastle Knights assistant coach Brett White says work is going on behind the scenes to determine how Phoenix Crossland’s case will be handled this week, after the hooker was sent off in the preliminary final against Penrith.
Crossland was dismissed in the 36th minute after an illegal hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary, who was taken to hospital and underwent emergency surgery for a severe compound fracture and dislocation of his left lower leg and ankle.
He also had a pre-existing broken bone in his right foot, prompting a much anticipated start from the bench to avoid further injury in the high-stakes match.
Crossland has since been referred to the judiciary for further investigation, leaving his hopes of playing in the grand final and representing New Zealand at the Rugby League World Cup uncertain.
“For Pheen, it is just a waiting game now, there's a lot of work going in behind the scenes to see how that gets handled this week,” he told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy on Tuesday.
“Obviously, it's not an ideal situation for Phoenix.
“Things happen so fast in the game and he's just got himself caught in an awkward position, unfortunately, with the result on Nathan that ends up with a broken leg.”
With just 12 men for the remainder of the game, the Knights secured the win over Penrith to make the grand final for the first time in 25 years.
White said the incident was likely to dominate discussion during the week, rather than celebrating the milestone for the club who was awarded the wooden spoon in 2025.
“It'll take up a lot of the noise and a lot of talk throughout the week early on, which is probably disappointing.
He added that Crossland would continue to support his teammates, regardless of the outcome.
“Phoenix is a real team person and whatever happens, he'll be there, he'll support the boys.
“So we've just got to let that process take care of itself now and see what the results will be.”
The New Zealander has copped a lot of abuse since the incident, to which Cleary has publicly defended him via an Instagram story.
Listen to the full interview below:
