‘That is blatant’: Star sin-binned for tripping brain fade on Bulldogs playmaker

A Newcastle Knights player is staring down the barrel of sanctions after being sent off for a blatant act against a rival on Sunday.

Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland faces sanction after being sin-binned for a blatant trip on Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton in their Round 5 clash at Accor Stadium.

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With the Bulldogs leading 8-0 in the 45th minute, Sexton made a break from dummyhalf, before a retreating Crossland stuck his leg out sparking referee Ashley Klein into action.

“I think there is trouble here,” Cooper Cronk said.

“I think there is a trip when Sexton goes through with a quick play-the-ball.

“I think it was Phoenix Crossland and it looked deliberate at first glance.”

Klein wasted no time placing Crossland on report and sending him for a 10 minute spell.

“The eighth sin-binning of the Round and the second for a professional foul,” Matt Russell said.

“There were six for high contact, but player number eight goes to the bin.

Phoenix Crossland is sin-binned for a tip on Toby Sexton.

“Starford To’a for a professional foul and so too Phoenix Crossland.”

Cronk believes Crossland and Knights coach Adam O’Brien could do nothing but accept the punishment for the blatant tripping action.

“You cannot argue with that,” Cronk said.

“That is a blatant trip and Adam O’Brien knows it. Good call there from Ashley Klein.”

Bench forward Jack Todd scored off the ensuing set to make it 14-0 to the Bulldogs and they went on to win 20-0.

Originally published as ‘That is blatant’: Star sin-binned for tripping brain fade on Bulldogs playmaker