Penrith Panthers co‑captain Nathan Cleary has been charged by the NRL’s Match Review Committee after a high tackle in a pre‑season trial against the Wests Tigers. Cleary was sent to the sin‑bin during the match for contact on Tigers winger Heamasi Makasini, and the charge relates to a Grade 2 careless high tackle under the league’s dangerous contact rules. �
Penrith Panthers
The penalty isn’t a dismissal or criminal finding. Instead, the charge carries a two‑match suspension if he accepts an early guilty plea, or up to three matches on the sideline if he contests the charge and loses at the judiciary hearing. The Panthers must enter a plea by midday Monday. �
Penrith Panthers
This disciplinary outcome means Cleary is likely to miss the start of Penrith’s NRL season, including the season‑opening clash against the Brisbane Broncos and potentially the following game against Cronulla, depending on the final ruling. �
ABC News
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary and the club are now planning for life without their star playmaker for those early rounds, with backups such as Jack Cogger expected to take the reins if the suspension is confirmed. �
racingandsports.com.au
While it’s a significant setback for the Panthers early in the NRL season build‑up, it’s purely a sporting disciplinary action rather than any legal conviction or removal from the club. �
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