Newcastle has formally requested the National Rugby League’s judiciary chairman to consider counting New Zealand’s Rugby League World Cup matches towards the four-game suspension handed to Phoenix Crossland. The move aims to reduce the time Crossland must sit out, enabling him to return to play for the Knights earlier in the upcoming NRL season.

Crossland received the suspension following a dangerous tackle during Newcastle’s preliminary final victory over the Penrith Panthers, which resulted in a serious injury to Penrith’s Nathan Cleary. As a consequence, Crossland missed the Knights’ grand final appearance and was also excluded from participating in the World Cup, despite being widely anticipated to represent New Zealand. Prior to the suspension, Crossland had established himself as a regular for the Kiwis, having played six consecutive Test matches.

In support of their case, Newcastle has submitted documents from New Zealand Rugby League, advocating that Crossland’s involvement in the Kiwis’ three pool matches at the World Cup be credited toward his suspension. If accepted, this would permit Crossland to be available for the first round of the next NRL season. The club’s appeal is currently under consideration by Geoffrey Bellew, chairman of the NRL judiciary.

Despite the suspension, Crossland remains integrated with the New Zealand squad, having been invited to the team’s camp and is expected to spend time with the players during the tournament. This gesture highlights the ongoing relationship between Crossland and the New Zealand Rugby League team amidst the dispute over his suspension period.