Nathan Cleary has leapt to the defence of Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland, pleading with fans to stop peppering the embattled Knight with social media abuse.
Cleary confirmed on Monday night that Crossland had apologised for the hip-drop tackle that left him needing emergency surgery for a compound fracture and a dislocated ankle.
But less than 24 hours before Crossland was due to face the judiciary over the incident, Cleary posted on Instagram from his hospital bed to offer support to the Knights number nine.
“Please don’t be one of those people writing comments like this to Phoenix,” Cleary posted alongside a graphic of some of the abuse Crossland had received.
“It was a complete accident, and he doesn’t deserve the unwarranted hate. 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.”
The comments against Crossland included accusations the tackle was deliberate and threats to maim the Knights dummy-half. Several are not suitable for print.
Crossland had almost appeared close to tears as Cleary was stretchered off Stadium Australia on a medicab after the tackle and appeared to have accepted his fate even before referee Gerard Sutton sent him off.
He cut a dejected figure in the dressing room after being dismissed, before the Knights held on for a famous 22-14 win to qualify for the grand final.
Crossland seemed to accept his fate before it was even decided. (Supplied: Fox League)
Crossland was referred straight to the judiciary over the incident, with Cleary’s injury to be taken into account.
The New Zealander will almost certainly be rubbed out of Sunday’s grand final against the Sydney Roosters, with a question of how much of a ban extends to the World Cup.
The longest suspension handed down for a hip-drop tackle is five weeks. That would keep Crossland out of the World Cup final, if they qualify.
“He was disappointed, we’ve got to try and get him upbeat,” Knights coach Justin Holbrook said after Sunday’s game.
“He’s an emotional guy. He’s been so great for us every week this year. Hopefully Nathan’s OK.”
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