LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In the aftermath of the hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary that has ruled him out for the Kangaroos, NRL fans have shifted their focus onto Broncos forward Payne Haas.
Haas, who managed to escape with just a fine for the incident, has become the center of attention.
Cleary's exceptional performance in the NRL grand final, which led his team, the Panthers, to their third-straight premiership, had earned him comparisons to the game's legends.
Unfortunately, fans will not have the opportunity to witness Cleary's skills on the international stage as he had his leg caught underneath Haas early in the game.
Despite the injury, Cleary displayed immense resilience and delivered a masterclass performance in the final 20 minutes of the match.
His outstanding performance earned him a spot in the Kangaroos squad for the upcoming Pacific Tests.
Cleary had previously played a crucial role in guiding Australia to a World Cup victory last year.
However, just 24 hours after his selection, he was withdrawn from the squad due to the injury.
As a result, Nicho Hynes has been called into the squad, and it is likely that Daly Cherry-Evans will take on the role of the first-choice halfback.
The drama surrounding Haas and Cleary has sparked intense discussions among NRL fans, with many expressing their opinions on the incident and its consequences.