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Live sport on SN this weekendPenrith's Nathan Cleary faces two-game NRL ban
George Clarke, AAP • February 21st, 2026 5:31 pm
Nathan Cleary was put on report after a high shot in Penrith's pre-season clash with the Tigers | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary is set to miss the opening two rounds of the NRL season in a major blow for the Panthers' premiership pursuit.
Cleary was sin-binned in the Panthers' 26-12 trial loss to Wests Tigers on Friday after collecting teenage winger Heamasi Makasini flush on the jaw.
On Saturday, the NRL's match review committee hit the halfback with a grade-two dangerous contact charge which carries a suspension of two games.
Assuming he takes the early guilty plea, Cleary will miss Penrith's opening two games against Brisbane and Cronulla.
A suspension will not prevent the halfback from being eligible for the Dally M Medal, NRL officials confirmed to AAP.
Cleary was sin-binned during Friday night's trial match at Leichhardt Oval | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
The clashes with the Broncos and Sharks form part of a gruelling opening period for the Panthers, who play five teams that finished in last year's top eight in the first six weeks of 2026.
Brisbane ended the Panthers' run of four-straight titles in last year's preliminary final after Ivan Cleary's side made an incredible run - Penrith were bottom after 12 rounds - to drag themselves into the top eight.
Coach Cleary would certainly rather start fast and he will likely turn to journeyman Jack Cogger to replace son Nathan at halfback.
Cogger, who returned to the foot of the mountains over the summer after an ill-fated spell with Newcastle, did not play in the trial loss to the Tigers.
The experienced playmaker will need to strike up an instant chemistry with Blaize Talagi if the Panthers are to begin the year with a bang.
"I've had a few little niggles during the pre-season, it was more precaution (to sit out the trial), but I'll be ready to go in two weeks if needed," Cogger told reporters.
"In the first part of pre-season everyone is swapping and getting combinations with everyone.
"He (Talagi) is a great talent, I forget how young he is sometimes talking to him and he's only going to get better."
The Dolphins' Francis Molo is in danger of missing three games after a high tackle on Jackson Ford | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
In news from Friday's other trial, Dolphins prop Francis Molo was left facing a three-match ban for a high shot on Warriors front-rower Jackson Ford.
Molo was charged for two separate hits on Ford, the second set to rule him out of the Dolphins' opening three fixtures against South Sydney, the Gold Coast and Cronulla.
Ford was charged for a hip-drop tackle on Selwyn Cobbo but will escape a ban if he agrees to take a $3000 fine.
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