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

Nathan Cleary was sin-binned for a high tackle, leading to three tries for the Wests Tigers. This is a major concern for the Panthers' upcoming games.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

Key Player's Actions Raise Concerns

The Penrith Panthers, a team known for its success, are facing a period of uncertainty surrounding their star player, Nathan Cleary. Recent events have brought scrutiny to the team's performance and the conduct of their key playmaker. The team's ability to maintain its strong standing appears to be linked to Cleary's availability and form.

Timeline of Events and Key Figures

The recent match between the Wests Tigers and the Penrith Panthers has become a focal point. During this game, Nathan Cleary was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Heamasi Makasini, a rookie winger for the Tigers. This incident occurred late in the first half, with the Tigers subsequently scoring three tries to secure a 26-12 victory.

Panthers’ nervous Cleary wait; ‘special’ teen’s statement display as Tigers win thriller - 1

This event follows a pattern of significant moments for the Panthers. In September 2025, Ivan Cleary, Nathan's father and the team's coach, addressed claims about his younger son, Jett Cleary, potentially impacting the team's season. Jett, playing for the Warriors in the NSW Cup, was reportedly set to mimic Nathan's style in opposed training sessions as the Panthers prepared to face the Warriors in an elimination final.

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Earlier in the 2025 season, in July, Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards were instrumental in the Panthers achieving their seventh consecutive win, which propelled them into fifth place on the NRL ladder. This period saw the Panthers displaying their premiership-winning style. However, even during this strong run, there have been instances where Nathan Cleary started games from the bench, as noted in a match from July 2025.

Panthers’ nervous Cleary wait; ‘special’ teen’s statement display as Tigers win thriller - 2

Injury concerns have also surfaced. In September 2025, both Nathan Cleary and Liam Martin exited a semi-final match against the Canterbury Bulldogs. While Nathan Cleary was winded, initial concerns about a shoulder issue were dismissed by Ivan Cleary, who stated he expected his son to be fit for the next game. Centre Casey McLean also sustained a concern in the same match.

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

Evidence of Performance and Incidents

The sin-binning of Nathan Cleary in the recent match against the Wests Tigers is a documented event. He was penalized for a high shot on Heamasi Makasini. This action led to his temporary removal from the field.

Panthers’ nervous Cleary wait; ‘special’ teen’s statement display as Tigers win thriller - 3

Reports from July 2025 highlight Nathan Cleary's impact on the field, contributing to a win against the Wests Tigers and securing a fifth-place ladder position. His performances have been consistently praised, with Darren Lockyer even suggesting that Nathan Cleary was the sole reason for a past Grand Final victory, labeling his performance "ridiculous" in October 2023.

Analysis of Key Incidents and Team Dynamics

The Sin-Binning and its Ramifications

The incident involving Nathan Cleary and Heamasi Makasini has created immediate questions about his availability for future games, particularly the start of the season. A sin-binning for a high tackle can lead to suspensions, a prospect that would be a significant blow to the Panthers. The timing of this event, just before the season begins, amplifies the concern.

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Panthers’ nervous Cleary wait; ‘special’ teen’s statement display as Tigers win thriller - 4

Jett Cleary's Role and Family Dynamics

The involvement of Jett Cleary, Nathan's brother, adds a layer of complexity. Reports suggest Ivan Cleary dismissed claims that Jett's actions could undermine the team. However, the use of a player from a rival team to mimic Nathan's style in training sessions for an elimination final is an unusual strategy, raising questions about internal team preparation and the dynamic between the Cleary family members involved in professional rugby league.

Player Performance and "Statement" Displays

The recent match also featured a notable solo try by a "special" young player for the Tigers, described as a "terrifying" display. This performance, coupled with Nathan Cleary's transgression, overshadowed other positive contributions, such as that of Billy Phillips for the Panthers, who is being considered for a bench spot. The narrative of a rookie announcing himself with a significant play contrasts with the experience of a star player facing disciplinary action.

Read More: Nathan Cleary faces ban for high tackle before NRL season opener vs Broncos

Injury Management and Player Welfare

The Panthers have experienced instances of key players exiting games due to injury. The handling of Nathan Cleary's "winded" incident, which initially raised concerns about a recurring shoulder problem, and Liam Martin's shoulder issue, demonstrates the team's approach to player welfare and injury updates. Ivan Cleary's role as coach and father provides him with direct insight into these situations, but also presents potential conflicts of interest when communicating updates.

Expert Commentary

Former player Darren Lockyer has been vocal about Nathan Cleary's exceptional talent, stating in October 2023 that Cleary's performance in a Grand Final was one of the best he had ever witnessed, even suggesting the team's victory was solely due to him. Commentators in the recent match noted that Cleary's sin-binning was a critical moment that allowed the Tigers to capitalize.

Conclusion and Potential Outcomes

The Penrith Panthers are in a critical phase. The sin-binning of Nathan Cleary introduces significant uncertainty regarding his immediate playing future. While initial reports from previous incidents suggest a capacity for swift recovery, the specific nature of the foul and the league's disciplinary measures will determine his availability.

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The team's reliance on Nathan Cleary's playmaking ability is well-established, and his absence, or even reduced capacity, would undoubtedly impact their performance. The club must navigate the disciplinary process while continuing to prepare for upcoming matches. The presence of Jett Cleary in training scenarios and the ongoing management of player injuries add further layers to the team's strategic considerations. The overall stability and success of the Panthers appear to hinge on how these immediate challenges are addressed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Nathan Cleary sent to the sin bin during the Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers game?
Nathan Cleary was sin-binned for a high tackle on Wests Tigers rookie winger Heamasi Makasini late in the first half.
Q: How did Nathan Cleary's sin bin affect the game against the Wests Tigers?
After Cleary was sent off, the Wests Tigers scored three tries and won the match 26-12.
Q: What does Nathan Cleary's sin bin mean for the Penrith Panthers' upcoming games?
The sin binning raises concerns about Nathan Cleary's availability for the start of the season. A suspension could significantly impact the team's performance.
Q: Have there been other recent issues for Nathan Cleary or the Penrith Panthers?
In September 2025, Nathan Cleary and Liam Martin left a semi-final due to injury concerns, and earlier in 2025, there were discussions about his brother Jett's role in training.
Q: What do experts say about Nathan Cleary's skill?
Former player Darren Lockyer called Cleary's performance in a past Grand Final 'ridiculous' and suggested he was the sole reason for the win in October 2023.