A potential suspension looms over NRL star Nathan Cleary, threatening his participation in the first round of the season. This controversy arises from a high shot incident during the Panthers' trial match against the Wests Tigers, which resulted in Cleary's sin-binning and subsequent jeering from the crowd at Leichhardt Oval.
The incident, which occurred as Cleary attempted a tackle on Tigers' rising star Heamasi Makasini, has left Cleary's fate in the hands of the NRL's match review committee. Their decision, to be announced on Saturday morning, will determine whether Cleary can take the field against Brisbane in the Panthers' season opener.
Adding to the suspense, Cleary's previous careless high tackle charge from last year's finals series could result in a stiffer penalty if he receives a grade-two charge this time. This would mean a two-game ban with an early guilty plea, instead of the usual one-game suspension.
While Cleary's replacement, Jack Cogger, missed the trial with a minor injury, the good news for the Panthers is that Makasini, the 18-year-old target of Cleary's tackle, emerged unscathed. Makasini, who backed up his hat-trick from last week with another impressive score, is now a strong contender to start the season on the wing for the Tigers despite his young age.
The teenager's performance, which included a breathtaking 40-meter run and a powerful bulldozing over Dylan Edwards, drew comparisons to rugby legend Jonah Lomu. Makasini's thundering charge in the first half helped the Tigers cut Penrith's lead to 12-10 at halftime, and Cleary's sin-binning just before the break further impacted the Panthers' momentum.
As the match progressed, both teams' top players were rested after halftime. The Tigers' forward Lachlan Broederlow, winger Luke Laulili, and Heath Mason all scored in the final 20 minutes, securing a 26-12 victory for the Tigers.
The outcome of the match review committee's decision on Saturday will be a pivotal moment for Cleary and the Panthers, as they navigate the potential consequences of this controversial incident.
What do you think? Should Cleary's previous charge impact the severity of his current penalty? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
