Phoenix Crossland pleads guilty to dangerous contact after hip drop tackle

Newcastle Knights player Phoenix Crossland has pled guilty to dangerous contact following a hip drop tackle on Nathan Cleary during the preliminary final against the Penrith Panthers. Crossland was sent off during the first half after his tackle resulted in a compound fracture of Cleary's ankle, which has since been operated on. Due to the severity of the incident, Crossland was referred directly to the NRL judiciary, facing a potential suspension of over four games. He voluntarily accepted the guilty plea and will attend the judiciary session on Tuesday. This decision will likely prevent him from participating in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.

• 2:38 AMZero Tackle NRL — Phoenix Crossland makes plea call after hip drop