Phoenix Crossland will have to argue his case at the NRL judiciary if he is to have any chance of playing in the grand final after he was cited for the hip drop that broke Nathan Cleary's leg.
The Newcastle hooker was sent off during the Knights' thrilling preliminary final win over the Penrith Panthers on Sunday and the match review committee referred him straight to the judiciary.
Crossland landed on Cleary's lower left leg as the Panthers superstar took on the line in the 36th minute at Stadium Australia and was wrapped up high by Knights back rower Francis Manuleleua.
The injury was immediately visible, and Manuleleua quickly signalled for medical attention.
As Cleary was receiving medical attention, including painkillers via the famed green whistle, replays on the big screen prompted Penrith fans and players to urge referee Gerard Sutton to send Crossland off.
Sutton called out Crossland and explained the incident in detail to him and captain Kalyn Ponga.
"Initially he's up high, he makes a definite action to twist," Sutton said.
"[He] comes down on the leg with weight, there's extreme risk of serious injury. You're off."