Penrith Panthers Weigh Options for Star Halfback Nathan Cleary Ahead of Season Opener
Penrith Panthers officials are set to convene this Sunday to deliberate on their strategy regarding a potential downgrade for a careless high tackle charge, a move aimed at ensuring their star playmaker, Nathan Cleary, is available for Round 1 of the upcoming season. The reigning champions’ co-captain landed himself in hot water following an incident during a pre-season trial match against the Wests Tigers.
The match review committee handed down a grade-two careless high tackle charge on Saturday to Cleary for an incident involving the Tigers’ promising rookie, Heamasi Makasini. The ill-fated tackle occurred on Friday night at Leichhardt Oval, where Cleary was sin-binned and met with vocal disapproval from the home crowd after his shoulder connected with Makasini’s head.
Following the incident, Cleary immediately extended an apology to Makasini. Referee Ashley Klein subsequently placed Cleary on report and sent him from the field for a 10-minute spell. The Wests Tigers ultimately secured a 26-12 victory in the trial.
Sources close to the situation, who remain anonymous as they are not authorised to speak publicly, have indicated that Penrith intends to seek legal counsel. Their belief is that a viable defence can be mounted, citing two key factors: Makasini’s action of juggling the ball and his apparent dip in height just moments before Cleary’s tackle. Furthermore, it is argued that Cleary demonstrated a duty of care, maintaining both feet on the ground and exhibiting control throughout the challenge.
The Panthers held their official season launch on Saturday night, with a deadline of Monday looming for them to decide whether to contest the charge at the judiciary. A successful downgrade would see Cleary cleared to participate in Penrith’s Round 1 clash against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium. However, failure to overturn or downgrade the charge could see Cleary suspended for three matches, encompassing crucial early-season encounters against Cronulla and the Sydney Roosters, both formidable opponents from last year’s finals series.
The prospect of a slow start to the season is something Penrith is keen to avoid, having endured a disappointing opening eight games last year. In Cleary’s potential absence, Jack Cogger is expected to step into the halves. Cogger, who did not feature in the trial against the Tigers, expressed his readiness to fill the void. The 28-year-old, who played a pivotal late role in the Panthers’ 2023 Grand Final triumph before two seasons with the Newcastle Knights, commented on his preparedness.
“I’ve had a few little niggles during the pre-season, it was more precaution tonight, but I’ll be ready to go in two weeks if needed,” Cogger stated. “We’re all optimistic. There wasn’t too much in it. They don’t need to tell me [to be ready] – I know that’s my role if I’m required.”
The NRL has clarified that players suspended for two or more games are ineligible for the Dally M Medal. However, in Cleary’s case, the league confirmed on Saturday that he remains eligible for the prestigious award as the charge originated from a trial game.
Heamasi Makasini, the young Tiger who was the subject of the tackle, was able to recover and continue playing. The 18-year-old cemented his place on the left wing with an impressive display, including several powerful runs down the sideline. While fullback Dylan Edwards managed to stop him on one occasion, Makasini later powered over the representative custodian to score a memorable try. This four-pointer, scored just six days after he bagged a hat-trick against the Roosters in another trial, is sure to be a highlight for Tigers fans.
Makasini’s barnstorming effort drew comparisons on social media to rugby legend Jonah Lomu, with some fans noting the striking resemblance to how the former All Black would bulldoze his way through opposition defences. The Tigers’ left edge, featuring Jarome Luai, Samuela Fainu, Taylan May, and Makasini, shows immense promise and could be a significant attacking threat this season, provided they can maintain their fitness.
Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai spoke highly of Makasini, labelling him an early contender for NRL Rookie of the Year. “That was a big play,” Luai commented. “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.” He added, “I’ve had a few nightmares during the pre-season when going up against him. He was making a few TikToks [after the hat-trick of tries last weekend against the Knights]. They can express themselves, as long as they’re getting the reps in the bank and preparing well. He played pretty well tonight.”
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall admitted he was hesitant to play his key players for extended periods, given their Round 1 bye. However, the encouraging performance against a strong Penrith side provided valuable confidence for his team.
In another pre-season trial, the Dolphins secured a 38-34 victory over the New Zealand Warriors. That match saw two players sin-binned, including Francis Molo, who received a three-game suspension for a high tackle on Jackson Ford.
