The injury happened when Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland fell onto Cleary’s ankle while attempting a tackle. Crossland was sent off for a hip‑drop and will now appear before the NRL judiciary.

Former Maroons coach Billy Slater said the current tackling rules forced Crossland into a more passive, low‑momentum approach. Slater argued that the rule changes reduced the force a tackler can apply, which contributed to the way the tackle was executed.

From his hospital bed, Cleary posted a photo on Instagram with his bandaged leg, writing, “I’ll be back.” The message thanked supporters and showed his optimism despite the injury.

Because of the judiciary hearing, Crossland could miss the upcoming NRL grand final. His potential suspension also raises questions about how the sport’s safety rules affect both player welfare and team chances.