Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary is free to play in the NRL grand final against South Sydney after he escaped charge for a dangerous throw on Kenny Bromwich.
Cleary was put on report in the Panthers’ 10-6 preliminary final win over Melbourne and faced the prospect of being banned for the decider if he copped a grade-two charge.
However, Penrith’s worst fears were alleviated on Sunday morning with Cleary not even appearing on the charge sheet.
Winger Stephen Crichton (contrary conduct) and prop James Fisher-Harris (dangerous contact) were both cited, but can accept fines.
Fisher-Harris’ charge is of note for slamming Felise Kaufusi down late in the first half, after it forced an error but did not attract a penalty.
Instead, Melbourne hooker Harry Grant is the only man facing a one-game ban out of the match, for a crusher tackle that will see him miss round one.
It comes after both Cleary and his father Ivan played down the severity of his lifting tackle on Saturday night.
“There’s always a bit of stuff around that … it’s just another story I guess,” Nathan Cleary said about his report.
“I’d rather not (face the judiciary) but we’ll see.”
Stephen Crichton of the Panthers celebrates with his teammates after scoring a try. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The news will be a relief for Penrith but they still have some concerns in grand final week and a shot at redemption after last year’s loss in the decider.
Cleary has battled a shoulder injury for the back half of the year and will need surgery at the end of the season.
The Panthers have also paid the price for having to reach the grand final the hard way after their week-one loss to the Rabbitohs.
Moses Leota is battling to overcome a calf strain, while James Fisher-Harris (knee) and Tevita Pangai Jnr (knee) both picked up knocks against Melbourne.
“Especially after that Parra game last week, it was just such a bash up and there were a lot of people sore and sorry on the Monday morning,” Cleary said.
“Just to get everyone on the field (against Melbourne was massive.
“Tevita will be fighting the clock next week.
He’ll probably get scans to see what it’s like but I’ve got full faith in our medical team and the boys they’ll do whatever they can to be on the field.
“Fish (Fisher-Harris) is Fish, he’s one of the toughest guys out there and again he’ll be doing everything he can to get on the field.”
SPM
Roar Rookie
President set half backs (or is that just for The Prodigal Sun) can lift forwards in to dangerous positions and the NRL MRC won’t charge them.
Tony
Roar Guru
The good news is that he's recovered and now appearing on SAS
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
I'd love you to send that to the NRL/judiciary and get some answers
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
Did you just throw a thesaurus at a page, it strikes as Monty Burns reading a page written for him "it was the best of years, it was the blurst of years....." monkeys and typewriters anyhoo good chat, spoz out :thumbup:
London Panther
Roar Rookie
Is a hypocracy a political system where only those with low blood-sugar are allowed to vote?
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Either team is much better than the Storm or Chickens winning.
steveng
Roar Rookie
:laughing: “polar bears are under threat because there is too little ice” REALLY as it’s not true if you are really educated about things and not just read the hypocracy of the Greens! But that is your problem mate, Im just twisting the hypocracy of the conservationists logic and how it works as you have missed the point mate!
London Panther
Roar Rookie
I’m still waiting on the outcome of the investigation into the systematic rorting of the game and good (ie legal) medical practice that went along with Sam B’s ‘medical’ treatment.
London Panther
Roar Rookie
I’m not sure if you are being ignorant on purpose, but Polar Bears are under threat because there is too little ice in the Artic circle. So unless you are trying to say that the NRL are actually disadvantaging Cleary by trying to protect him, your analogy reflects poorly on your education.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
For what it’s worth i don’t think either warranted sanction. Both tackles resulted with a player landing on their back not head. I can’t recall suggesting otherwise, that would be your assumption
NSWelshman
Roar Rookie
Yet Aloiai’s tackle did? What was the difference? Aloiai didn’t have his hand between the legs like Cleary did yet got done. Cleary should buy a lottery ticket!
NSWelshman
Roar Rookie
Please enlighten us on what the difference was between Cleary’s tackle & that of Josh Aloiai? The golden child gets off whilst Aloiai gets 3 weeks! Typical Panthers favouritism from the NRL. Hopefully South’s trample the cheats!
Tom G
Roar Rookie
No mate I’d just be stoked to be there after ten years. Good luck on the weekend.
The Final Word
Roar Rookie
Fair enough Tom. Just tell me though, that if Manly was in the Rabbitohs' position next week, you wouldn't have similar concerns?
The Final Word
Roar Rookie
At least you recognise I am doing my best, Nat. You really can't ask for more than that. :laughing:
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Oh please, these conspiracy theories are worthy of a red and green tinfoil hat. My side went down to yours on Friday but I’m all in for a Bunnies premiership. Undermining your opposition and officiating with that sort of nonsense just screams of inventing excuses in anticipation of a loss. This week should be about celebrating your team’s achievements not questioning the legitimacy if your opposition. As for the Cleary tackle being characterised as the crime of the century? It didn’t warrant a penalty ffs
Nat
Roar Guru
Do you ever wonder why you get booted so often? :laughing: :laughing: - dumping a player on his head is OK, just as long as it’s Ivan’s son. - another Alex MacKinnon incident. - being caught out che@ting week after week is OK - Ivan’s besties Grant Atkins and Ashley Klein. "I get the feeling the majority of NRL fans on this site support the Panthers throwing the rule book out the window" You are doing your best to turn them! :laughing: :laughing:
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Or you could just not pick away at the Panthers with overstated transgressions if that’s what floats your boat. You have your team in the GF with a better than average chance to win it. Even though my team were denied the opportunity by a good Souths side las Friday, I’m all in for a Bunnies premiership. I seriously fail to understand what you think harping on about your opponents being supposed cheats does for you. If Cleary had been rubbed out for a tackle that shouldn’t have even been penalised it would have been a joke
matth
Roar Guru
Doesn't it though? you are listing incidents in a single game. That doesn't provide enough data for any sort of conclusion or trend. How about over the season? also I find when you look at only one team and look for bias, you are sure to find it.
matth
Roar Guru
It seems to me, that until two years ago, or so, I don;t remember a single player getting up from a tackle holding their neck. The epidemic of crushers ...