Penrith Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary is facing a potential multi-match ban after being charged with a grade 2 careless high tackle in the team’s pre-season challenge loss to the Wests Tigers on February 20, 2026, sending shockwaves through the club ahead of their 2026 NRL campaign.
The Incident & Charge
In the 38th minute of the 26-12 defeat at Leichhardt Oval, Cleary made contact with Tigers winger He Amasi Makasini, leading to an immediate sin-bin and subsequent grading from the NRL Match Review Committee. As he was also charged with a similar offence in last year’s finals series, an early guilty plea would result in a two-match suspension, ruling him out of the round one blockbuster against the Brisbane Broncos (March 6) and round two’s clash with the Cronulla Sharks (March 14). If the club contests the charge and fails, the ban extends to three matches, adding the round three game against the Sydney Roosters (March 20) to his absence.
Panthers Fight for Downgrade
The Panthers have pleaded guilty to the charge but will head to the judiciary on February 22 to seek a downgrade to grade 1. Their case hinges on video evidence suggesting Makasini slipped during the tackle and that Cleary did not leave the ground when making contact. Coach Ivan Cleary and the club are pushing to have their star playmaker available for the season opener, as his presence is seen as critical to avoiding a repeat of 2025’s slow start – when the team lost seven of their first 11 games before rallying to reach the preliminary final.
What’s at Stake?
Without Cleary, backup halfback Jack Cogger is likely to step into the starting role. The Panthers’ early schedule features tough matchups against last season’s premiers (Broncos) and traditional rivals (Sharks, Roosters), making a fast start vital to their title aspirations. The outcome of Monday’s hearing will shape the club’s immediate prospects, with fans and analysts watching closely to see if the judiciary delivers a verdict that could make or break their season launch.
How the Panthers Could Adjust Their Game Plan
If Cleary is suspended, the team will shift to a more forward-focused style to compensate for the loss of his kicking game and playmaking control:
– Increased Role for Isaah Yeo: The captain will take on more responsibility for directing the attack from lock, linking up with Cogger and five-eighth Jarome Luai
to manage field position.- Forward Dominance: Big men like Moses Leota, James Fisher-Harris, and Lindsay Smith will be tasked with winning the middle battle, creating quick play-the-balls to keep defenses on the back foot.
– Simpler Attack: The Panthers will rely less on structured kicking plays and more on short passes, offloads, and edge runs led by Brian To’o and Sunia Turuva to create try-scoring opportunities.
– Kicking Duties Split: Luai and fullback Dylan Edwards will share goal-kicking and tactical kicking responsibilities, with Cogger focusing on controlling the tempo close to the line.
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