Nathan Cleary Charged With Dangerous Contact After Trial Match Hit

Penrith Panthers' Nathan Cleary faces a two-game ban for a dangerous tackle in a trial match, meaning he will miss the first two games of the NRL season.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

The Penrith Panthers now face the start of the NRL season without their lead playmaker, Nathan Cleary. During a trial match against the Wests Tigers, the halfback was removed from the field for ten minutes following a high tackle on teenage player Heamasi Makasini. This event has shifted from a match-day penalty to a formal disciplinary matter. The NRL Match Review Committee (MRC) reviewed the footage and issued a serious charge. If the player accepts the current legal offering, he will miss the first two games of the regular season. This situation tests the team's depth and raises questions about how rules are applied in pre-season games versus official matches.

Cleary faces ban in major Panthers blow after star sin-binned for high shot - 1

Timeline of Events and Key Figures

The incident occurred during a practice game intended to help players gain fitness before the main season starts.

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  • Friday Night: The Penrith Panthers played the Wests Tigers. The Tigers won the game 26-12.

  • The Incident: Nathan Cleary made contact with the jaw of Heamasi Makasini. The referee sent Cleary to the "sin bin" for ten minutes.

  • Saturday Morning: The NRL Match Review Committee released their findings.

  • The Charge: A "Grade 2 Dangerous Contact" charge was issued.

  • The Decision: Nathan Cleary must decide whether to fight the charge or take an "early guilty plea."

"Cleary would miss just two games if he takes the early guilty plea, meaning he would sit out Penrith's season opener against Brisbane and their round two meeting with Cronulla." — Official Report.

Official Evidence and Penalty Details

The Match Review Committee uses video evidence to determine the severity of physical contact. A Grade 2 charge suggests the contact was more than accidental but perhaps not intentional enough for a higher grade.

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FactDetail
Player ChargedNathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
OpponentHeamasi Makasini (Wests Tigers)
Charge LevelGrade 2 Dangerous Contact
Early Plea Penalty2-Match Suspension
Missed GamesRound 1 (vs. Brisbane Broncos); Round 2 (vs. Cronulla Sharks)
Likely ReplacementJack Cogger

The core issue is that a star player faces a multi-week absence due to an incident in a non-competition trial match.

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Analysis of On-Field Discipline

The Mechanics of the Tackle

The hit on Heamasi Makasini was described as "flush on the jaw." In modern rugby league, any contact with the head or neck is treated with high levels of caution to protect player safety. While trial matches are often used to test new rules or officiating standards, the MRC decided that the force used by Nathan Cleary met the requirements for a Grade 2 charge.

Comparison to Previous Incidents

There is an ongoing discussion regarding how these rules are applied. In April 2025, a similar incident occurred where Coen Hess made contact with Nathan Cleary’s head. During that match, no penalty was given, and the player was not put on report.

  • Did the lack of action in the 2025 Cowboys game create a sense of unfairness among fans?

  • Does the current Grade 2 charge show a stricter approach to player safety in 2026?

Impact on Team Strategy

The loss of a primary halfback requires a change in how the Panthers play. Jack Cogger is the most likely person to take the position. However, Cogger did not play in the trial against the Tigers because of a minor injury ("niggle"). This leaves the team with two unknowns: the health of the replacement and the lack of practice time for the new combination before Round 1.

Read More: Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary sin-binned for high tackle, faces uncertain start to season

Perspectives on Officiating

Experts and fans have shared different views on how the NRL handles high contact. Following a preliminary final in late 2025, some analysts noted a "hypocrisy" in how penalties are awarded during heated moments.

  • The Fan Perspective: Supporters of the Panthers have previously expressed anger when their players were hit without the opponent being punished. They often point to the Coen Hess incident as evidence of inconsistent refereeing.

  • The Official Perspective: The NRL maintains that they are trying to "stamp out" high tackles. The Match Review Committee acts independently of the match-day referee to ensure all dangerous contact is documented.

  • The Player Perspective: After the 2025 controversy, Coen Hess noted that "It’s easy when they don’t see you coming," suggesting that speed and timing often lead to these accidents rather than bad intent.

Conclusion of Investigation

The evidence shows that Nathan Cleary is currently facing a two-match ban. The facts of the hit on Heamasi Makasini are not in dispute, as the contact was clear on video. The primary finding is that the Penrith Panthers must now plan for a season start without their captain.

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Implications:

  • If the Panthers lose their first two games, the decision to play a high-value star in a trial match may be questioned.

  • The use of Jack Cogger will be necessary to maintain the team's structure.

  • The NRL has demonstrated that trial matches will not be treated differently than regular season games regarding safety violations.

Next Steps:

  • The Panthers must lodge an official plea by the league's deadline.

  • Medical staff will need to clear Jack Cogger for full training to prepare for the Brisbane Broncos in Round 1.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Nathan Cleary facing a ban from the NRL?
Nathan Cleary of the Penrith Panthers has been charged with Grade 2 Dangerous Contact for a tackle made on Heamasi Makasini during a trial match against the Wests Tigers.
Q: How many games will Nathan Cleary miss if he accepts the charge?
If Nathan Cleary takes an early guilty plea, he will miss the first two games of the NRL regular season. This means he will be out for Round 1 and Round 2.
Q: Who will replace Nathan Cleary in the Penrith Panthers team?
Jack Cogger is the most likely player to replace Nathan Cleary in the halves for the Penrith Panthers. Cogger had a minor injury but is expected to be fit for Round 1.
Q: Will this charge affect the Penrith Panthers' start to the season?
Yes, the Penrith Panthers will start the NRL season without their main playmaker, Nathan Cleary. This puts pressure on the team and his replacement, Jack Cogger, for the opening matches.
Q: Are trial match incidents being treated more seriously by the NRL?
The NRL Match Review Committee has shown that incidents in trial matches can lead to formal charges and suspensions, indicating a stricter approach to player safety even before the official season begins.