Nathan Cleary could miss Penrith's first game after high tackle in pre-season match on February 11, 2025

Nathan Cleary might miss the first game. This is because of a tackle he made on February 11, 2025. He was given a penalty during the game.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

Stakes High as Superstar Player Faces Potential Ban

Penrith Panthers, a top team in the National Rugby League (NRL), face a period of uncertainty regarding their star player, Nathan Cleary. Cleary, the team's captain and a widely recognized talent, is currently under scrutiny for an incident during a recent pre-season game. This situation could mean he misses the crucial opening match of the new NRL season against the Brisbane Broncos. The outcome of an official review will determine if Cleary faces a suspension, which would be a significant blow to the Panthers' chances.

Context of the Incident and Cleary's Standing

The incident occurred during a pre-season match between the Penrith Panthers and the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval. Cleary was involved in a tackle on the Tigers' rookie player, Heamasi Makasini.

  • The Tackle: Cleary was placed on report by the referee for a high tackle on Makasini.

  • Player's Response: Makasini was able to continue playing after the incident and later scored a try.

  • Official Action: Cleary was removed from the field for a 10-minute period, a standard penalty for such infractions.

  • Cleary's Apology: Cleary reportedly apologized to Makasini at the time of the incident.

  • Match Review Committee: The NRL's match review committee is set to examine the incident to decide if any disciplinary action, including a suspension, will be taken against Cleary.

Nathan Cleary has a history of outstanding performance. He is considered one of the best players in the current era, known for his leadership and ability to steer the Panthers. He has achieved significant personal milestones, including becoming Penrith's all-time leading point-scorer and receiving prestigious individual awards like the Dally M Halfback of the Year. His dedication to training and recovery is also well-documented, with teammates noting his meticulous approach to fitness, even after undergoing off-season surgery.

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Nathan Cleary in doubt for Penrith’s opener - 1

Evidence of the Incident and Potential Consequences

Reports confirm that Cleary was placed on report for a high shot on Heamasi Makasini.

  • Eyewitness Accounts: Multiple news outlets have described the incident as a "clear high shot" and a "brutal incident."

  • On-Field Penalty: Cleary was sin-binned, indicating the seriousness of the infraction as perceived by the on-field officials.

  • Player Status: Makasini, the player involved, was able to continue playing and subsequently scored a try, suggesting he was not severely injured.

  • Official Review: The NRL match review committee's findings are pending and will be the deciding factor in whether Cleary faces suspension.

  • Team Impact: The Panthers face a challenging start to their season, and the potential absence of their key playmaker, Cleary, would amplify the difficulty of these early matches.

Analysis of the Situation

Player Performance and Reputation

Nathan Cleary is widely acknowledged for his exceptional skill and leadership on the field.

  • Key Playmaker: He is instrumental in orchestrating the Panthers' offense and has a proven track record of delivering crucial plays.

  • Award Winner: His individual accolades, including multiple Dally M Halfback of the Year awards, underscore his status as a top-tier player.

  • Resilience: Cleary has demonstrated remarkable resilience, even recovering quickly from off-season surgery to be considered for the opening round.

The Incident and Disciplinary Process

The nature of the tackle and the subsequent review process are central to this situation.

Nathan Cleary in doubt for Penrith’s opener - 2

  • High Tackle Rules: The NRL has strict rules regarding high tackles, aiming to protect player welfare. Such incidents are often reviewed thoroughly.

  • Match Review Committee's Role: This committee uses video evidence and established grading systems to assess incidents and recommend penalties.

  • Player's Responsibility: Cleary's apology to Makasini is noted, but it does not preclude disciplinary action.

Team's Preparedness and Challenges

The Panthers are preparing for a demanding start to the season.

  • Tough Draw: Reports indicate the Panthers have a difficult schedule for the opening rounds.

  • Dependence on Cleary: The team's reliance on Cleary's playmaking abilities is significant, making any potential suspension a considerable challenge.

  • Rookie Player: The involvement of Makasini, a promising rookie, in the incident also highlights the dynamic between established stars and emerging talent.

Expert Analysis

The potential for a suspension hinges on the interpretation of the tackle by the match review committee. NRL judiciary processes typically involve grading the severity of foul play based on factors such as intent, force, and the degree of contact to a vulnerable area of the opponent's body. While Makasini was able to continue, this does not automatically absolve Cleary from potential sanctions.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Nathan Cleary's participation in the Penrith Panthers' opening NRL match is currently in doubt. This situation arises from a high tackle incident involving Wests Tigers player Heamasi Makasini, for which Cleary was placed on report and sin-binned. The final decision on whether Cleary will face a suspension rests with the NRL's match review committee, whose findings are anticipated soon.

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

  • Immediate Action: The focus is on the upcoming decision from the match review committee.

  • Potential Impact: A suspension would necessitate the Panthers adapting their strategy for the crucial season opener against the Brisbane Broncos.

  • Player Welfare: The incident underscores the ongoing emphasis on player safety within the NRL framework.

  • Team Strategy: The Panthers will need to prepare contingency plans should their captain and primary playmaker be unavailable.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Nathan Cleary play in the Penrith Panthers' first game on March 5, 2025?
It is not sure if Nathan Cleary will play in the first game. He was given a penalty for a high tackle during a match on February 11, 2025. The league is looking into it now.
Q: What happened in the pre-season game on February 11, 2025?
Nathan Cleary made a high tackle on Heamasi Makasini from the Wests Tigers. The referee put Cleary on report and sent him off the field for 10 minutes. Makasini was able to keep playing.
Q: Why might Nathan Cleary be banned from the first game?
The National Rugby League (NRL) is checking the high tackle Cleary made on February 11, 2025. If they think it was bad, he could be banned from playing for some games, maybe even the first one.
Q: Who is Heamasi Makasini and how did he react?
Heamasi Makasini is a new player for the Wests Tigers. He was the player Cleary tackled high on February 11, 2025. Makasini was okay after the tackle and even scored a try later in the game.
Q: What does the Penrith Panthers team do if Cleary is banned?
If Nathan Cleary is banned, the Penrith Panthers will have to play their first game without their main player. This will make the game harder for them, especially against a strong team like the Brisbane Broncos.