Newcastle Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland will miss the NRL Grand Final after receiving a four-match suspension from the NRL judiciary. The ban stems from a tackle Crossland made on Penrith Panthers player Nathan Cleary, which resulted in a broken leg for Cleary. The judiciary deemed the tackle warranted a severe penalty, effectively ending Crossland’s season. The Knights will now need to find a replacement for their starting hooker as they prepare for the Grand Final. This outcome delivers a significant blow to Newcastle’s chances in the championship decider. The incident sparks debate surrounding tackling techniques and player safety within the NRL.