Nathan Cleary is challenging a two-game suspension for a high tackle at the NRL judiciary, which could result in missing the first three games of the season for the Penrith Panthers.
Nathan Cleary, the star playmaker for the Penrith Panthers, is set to challenge a grade two suspension at the NRL judiciary regarding a careless high tackle during a match against the Wests Tigers. The tackle, which occurred in the 38th minute of the game, has led to significant implications for the Panthers' upcoming matches. Cleary has already pleaded guilty to the charge but the club believes there is enough evidence to successfully argue for a downgrade to a grade one charge, thereby allowing him to participate in the season opener.
The Panthers are facing a critical moment as they prepare to enter the 2023 NRL season. The outcome of the judiciary challenge is crucial not just for Cleary, who aims to play in the round one blockbuster against Brisbane, but also for the team’s performance in the following rounds against Cronulla and the Sydney Roosters. If Cleary loses the challenge, he will miss the first three matches of the season, which would be a significant blow for the team’s ambitions.
This situation underscores the tension surrounding player discipline in professional sports, where the stakes rise significantly during the season's commencement. The club’s strategy to seek a downgrade of the charge hinges on several factors, including a claim that the Wests Tigers player, Heamasi Makasini, may have slipped, altering the dynamics of the incident. The judiciary’s decision will not only impact Cleary’s career but also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the NRL moving forward.
