Phoenix Crossland became the first player dismissed for a hip-drop tackle in NRL history during Newcastle's preliminary final against Penrith.
The tackle broke Nathan Cleary's left ankle, later confirmed as a compound fracture and dislocation. Cleary was taken to hospital for scans and treatment.
Crossland watched the replay on the stadium screens as Cleary received the green whistle and was taken from the field by medicab.
Referee Gerard Sutton told Crossland and Knights captain Kalyn Ponga: "Initially he's up high, makes a definite action to twist and comes down on the leg with weight, there's extreme risk of serious injury, you're off,"
The tackle was outlawed in 2020, and the usual penalty is a 10-minute sin bin. Crossland's dismissal left Newcastle with 12 players for the final 45 minutes.
Commentator Andrew Johns said on the Nine Network: "It shouldn't be at that angle. You can see the reaction of the players, they heard a crack,"
Phil Gould added: "It's a sad sight, you wouldn't wish this on any player at anytime, but (certainly not) to the game's champion player,"
Penrith supporters cheered loudly when Crossland was sent off, despite being outnumbered by Newcastle fans.
In 2022, South Sydney winger Taane Milne was dismissed for a high tackle on Penrith's Spencer Leniu. He was the first player sent off in an NRL finals match since 1994.