Injury and surgery
Nathan Cleary has been ruled out of the Rugby League World Cup after sustaining a compound fracture and dislocation to his left ankle while playing for Penrith Panthers in their NRL play-off defeat by Newcastle Knights on Sunday. The 28-year-old Australia half-back needed emergency surgery in hospital following the injury, which occurred in a tackle by Phoenix Crossland. Cleary had started the match on the bench because he was already carrying a broken bone in his right foot, and his father Ivan, the Panthers' head coach, said afterwards that his son would have surgery on both feet.[S1]
In a social media post, Cleary thanked everyone who had reached out and described the support as unbelievable. He said the previous day had been difficult but was part of the journey and had made him more grateful for the people around him, adding that he would be back. Cleary helped Australia win the World Cup in Manchester four years ago.[S1]
Tackle and disciplinary action
Knights hooker Crossland was sent off for a hip-drop tackle, a manoeuvre the NRL outlawed in 2020. A hip-drop tackle occurs when a defender grabs the runner with both hands or wraps them with both arms, then swivels or drops the hips or lower body, landing on and trapping the opponent's leg below the knees. Crossland was referred to the NRL Judiciary over the tackle and is likely to receive a lengthy ban.[S1]
Such a ban would rule Crossland out of Sunday's NRL Grand Final, in which Newcastle face Sydney Roosters, and may also affect his availability for New Zealand during the World Cup. Australia will face New Zealand in the opening match of the World Cup in Sydney on 15 October (10:05 BST). The two teams are also favourites to face each other in the final, in Brisbane on 15 November (08:35 GMT).[S1]
