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 Crossland had apologised over the hip-drop tackle that left him needing emergency surgery on a compound fracture and dislocated ankle.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Crossland faces judiciary over Cleary tackle
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But less than 24 hours before Crossland was due to face the judiciary over the incident, Cleary took to Instagram from his hospital bed to offer support to the Knights No.9.
“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 Accor Stadium on a medicab on Sunday.
Nathan Cleary has voiced support for the rival who broke his leg. Credit: AAP He then cut a dejected figure in the dressing room after being sent off, before the Knights held on for a famous 22-14 win to qualify for the grand final.
Crossland was referred straight to the judiciary over the incident, with Cleary’s injury able 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 his ban extends into the World Cup.
The longest suspension handed down for a hip-drop tackle is five weeks. That would leave Crossland unable to play for New Zealand until 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.”