Cleary Facing Suspension After Pre-Season Incident
Penrith Panthers’ star playmaker Nathan Cleary is staring down the barrel of a significant suspension, potentially missing the opening rounds of the new season. The NSW and Australia halfback was hit with a grade two careless high tackle charge following a pre-season clash against the Wests Tigers. The incident, which saw Cleary sent to the sin bin late in the first half of the Panthers’ 26-12 loss, has cast a long shadow over their preparations for the upcoming campaign.
Cleary faces a two-match ban if he accepts an early guilty plea. However, if he opts to fight the charge and is unsuccessful, he risks an extended three-match layoff. The tackle in question was on Wests Tigers rookie Heamasi Makasini.
The implications of this charge are far-reaching for the Panthers. Cleary is now set to miss crucial early-round fixtures, including a highly anticipated showdown against the Brisbane Broncos – the team that famously ended Penrith’s dominant premiership streak. He will also be absent for the match against the Cronulla Sharks, meaning he’ll be sidelined for the opening two rounds of 2025.
This is a bitter blow for the reigning premiers, especially considering Cleary’s instrumental role in their past successes. He had showcased his class in the trial match, setting up the opening try with a precise long ball to Brian To’o. Now, if he takes the early plea, he’ll be forced to watch from the sidelines as his teammates navigate a potentially difficult start to the season. Reports suggest Penrith endured a rough patch in their pre-season, finding themselves languishing at the bottom of the ladder after 12 rounds.
Cogger Ready to Step Up in Cleary’s Absence
With Cleary’s potential suspension looming, the responsibility of partnering Blaize Talagi in the halves will fall to Jack Cogger. Cogger, a key figure in Penrith’s 2023 Grand Final triumph, has declared himself fit and ready to go after missing Friday night’s trial match due to minor issues.
“It would have been good to have had a run, but I had a few niggles,” Cogger explained. “It was more precautionary to get the right preparation heading into round one.”
He acknowledged the fluid nature of pre-season preparations, with players often swapping positions and developing combinations. “Everyone is swapping positions (during the pre-season) and getting combinations with everything,” Cogger noted. “And we’ve still got two weeks to go, so I’d be confident if that was the case (that Nathan was suspended).”
Despite his readiness, Cogger expressed hope that Cleary would be cleared. “But I’d like to think he’ll get off and he’ll be right,” he said. “I thought there wasn’t too much in it, but that’s the way the game is going at the minute. If something more were to happen then I’d be ready because that’s my role.”
Luai Stresses Cleary’s Importance to the Panthers
Former teammate Jarome Luai, speaking after the trial game, underscored the immense value Cleary brings to the Penrith side. The Panthers have until midday on Monday to submit their plea.
“I don’t think you need me to tell you how important he is to any side he plays in,” Luai stated emphatically. “He’s a four-time premiership winner, State of Origin winner. He’s a big part of their team. Fingers crossed for him.”
Makasini’s Stunner Steals the Show
While Cleary’s tackle has dominated headlines, the performance of Wests Tigers rookie Heamasi Makasini threatened to steal the spotlight. Makasini produced an early contender for try of the year, a dazzling display that has ignited excitement among Tigers fans and sent shivers down the spines of rival defenders.
The 18-year-old has been showcasing remarkable talent for his age. In a breathtaking run, the powerhouse rookie shrugged off two Penrith defenders before steamrolling representative star Dylan Edwards, sending the Leichhardt Oval crowd into a frenzy.
The spectacular solo effort drew comparisons to legendary figures such as Jonah Lomu, Eric Grothe Sr, and former Tiger Taniela Tuiaki. However, Luai believes such comparisons are unfair to the burgeoning talent.
“I just think he’s Heamasi Makasini, and I think he wants it to be that way as well,” Luai commented. He revealed that Makasini, despite his recent exploits, including a hat-trick against the Roosters the previous week, has remained grounded. He noted that Makasini had posted a few TikToks after his stellar performance but otherwise maintained his focus at training.
“You can have your idols in the game and you can take the good things out of their games, but at the end of the day, you’re your own person and you’ve got to find your own style of play,” Luai advised.
“That was a big play. I’ll rap him on the pre-season he’s had,” Luai continued. “There’s been a lot of outside pressure, but a young guy with the world at his feet, it’s important for me to make sure he’s staying level-headed and doing the little things right.”
Luai admitted to having some tough moments during the pre-season facing Makasini. “I’ve had a few nightmares during the pre-season when going up against him. He’s got all the physical attributes, and for a young dude, staying right mentally is a big part of this game for him now.”
