Nathan Cleary in doubt for Penrith’s opener

Sydney Morning Herald

by Christian Nicolussi

February 20, 2026

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Nathan Cleary in doubt for Penrith’s opener

Nathan Cleary faces a potential suspension as he awaits the outcome of a high shot incident that occurred during Penrith’s trial match against the Wests Tigers. The Penrith Panthers’ co-captain was sin-binned after striking Heamasi Makasini with his right shoulder, which resulted in an on-field report and a 10-minute benching. Cleary’s fate will be determined by the match review committee ahead of Penrith’s season-opening clash against the Brisbane Broncos. A grade-one charge could lead to a fine, while a grade-two charge would result in a one-match ban. The incident occurred during a strong performance by Cleary, who displayed his usual playmaking ability with a key cutout pass for Brian To’o, setting up Penrith’s opening try. However, the high shot on Makasini, an 18-year-old Tigers’ rookie, drew significant attention and criticism from the Tigers’ fans at Leichhardt Oval. Despite the incident, Makasini showed resilience by quickly recovering and continuing to play, showcasing his potential as a standout young player. Penrith’s coach Ivan Cleary and his staff had to watch the game from an outdoor press area due to a malfunctioning air conditioning unit in their coaches’ box. The Panthers are aiming for another strong season but face uncertainty if Cleary is ruled out. Should he be suspended, Cogger is expected to step into the starting lineup in the halves. Meanwhile, the Tigers demonstrated their attacking prowess with an impressive performance, highlighted by Makasini’s barnstorming runs and try-scoring ability. The game provided valuable insights for both teams as they prepare for the NRL season. Penrith’s trial against a premiership contender like the Tigers was crucial for building confidence ahead of their opening match. The Panthers’ depth and experience will be tested if Cleary is unavailable, but the team remains optimistic about their chances in what promises to be an exciting campaign. For readers interested in global sports news, this incident highlights the high stakes and scrutiny surrounding elite athletes in professional leagues. Nathan Cleary’s potential suspension not only impacts Penrith’s chances in their season opener but also underscores the importance of discipline and

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/20/2026