Panthers risk three-game ban to have Nathan Cleary in round one

Penrith will roll the dice on a potential three-week suspension for the game’s best player, Nathan Cleary, by challenging the grading of his high tackle on Wests Tigers prodigy Heamasi Makasini.

Cleary and the Panthers will head to the NRL judiciary on Monday disputing his grade-two careless high tackle charge for hitting Makasini in the head on Friday night. Cleary was sin-binned and booed by the Tigers’ faithful in a trial loss at Leichhardt Oval, before apologising to Makasini as he made his way off the field.

Penrith believe they have a case because Makasini juggled the ball and appeared to dip just before he was tackled by Cleary.

Cleary also showed a duty of care because both feet were planted on the ground, and he was always in control of the tackle despite hitting Makasini in the head with his right shoulder.

Should they succeed in the downgrade, Cleary will be free to play in round one against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium. If Cleary fails, his punishment will increase to three matches, which includes the round-two clash against Cronulla – another preliminary finalist last year – and the Sydney Roosters.

The last thing Penrith want is a second sluggish start to a campaign, which featured two wins from their opening eight games last year.

Jack Cogger, who did not feature against the Tigers, is expected to start in the halves for Cleary.

Cogger said he was more than ready to slot in. The 28-year-old made a key late cameo for the club in the 2023 grand final win, before spending two seasons at the Knights.

“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 said.

“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.”

Players who are suspended two or more games are ruled ineligible for the Dally M, but the NRL were quick to clarify on Saturday that Cleary would still be in the race because he was charged during a trial game.

Makasini bounced back to his feet and was able to play on. The 18-year-old sealed the left-wing spot after an excellent performance, which included a couple of barnstorming runs down the touchline.

He was stopped by fullback Dylan Edwards on one occasion, but then ran straight over the representative No. 1 a second time to score. The four-pointer will not be forgotten any time soon by those inside the inner-western Sydney venue. The try came six days after he bagged a hat-trick in a trial against the Roosters.

Some fans on social media likened Makasini’s bump on Edwards to All Blacks rugby legend Jonah Lomu and what he would do to the last line of defence in any given rugby Test.

The Tigers left edge of Jarome Luai, Samuela Fainu, Taylan May and Makasini will rack up their share of points this year if they can all stay fit.

Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai said of Makaisini, who you can already jot down as an early contender for NRL rookie of the year should he stay fit: “That was a big play. 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.

“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.”

Tigers coach Benji Marshall was unsure whether to play most of his big guns, considering they do not play for another three weeks because of a round-one bye. But the pleasing hit out against a genuine premiership contender in Penrith will give them plenty of confidence.

In the earlier trial, a 38-34 win by the Dolphins over the Warriors, two players were binned, including Francis Molo who was hit with a three-game ban for his high shot on Jackson Ford.

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