Cleary sweats on prelim final ban

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 14, 2026

Penrith’s Nathan Cleary was sin-binned for making contact with an opponent’s leg during their qualifying final win over the Sydney Roosters, and he now faces a judiciary hearing that could result in a suspension. His potential absence would be a major setback for the Panthers as they prepare for the preliminary final, with replacement options being considered pending the official ruling.

Penrith’s premiership aspirations now rest on the outcome of a judiciary hearing after Nathan Cleary was sin-binned late in the first half of their qualifying final against the Sydney Roosters on Sunday at CommBank Stadium. The Panthers’ star halfback was penalised for making contact with Roosters player Hugo Savala’s leg as Savala kicked the ball with just 13 seconds remaining in the half. Referee Gerard Sutton immediately sent Cleary to the sin bin, and scrutiny will focus on whether the incident warrants a one-game suspension.

The penalty had the potential to disrupt Penrith’s rhythm, but the Panthers managed to hold on during Cleary’s 10-minute absence and secured a 19-12 victory, earning a week off before the preliminary final. Cleary played a pivotal role in the win, calmly kicking a crucial late field goal from 19 meters out. However, there are also concerns about a foot injury he sustained during the contest, which may impact his availability.

Cleary’s potential suspension would be a significant blow for Penrith, with the halfback facing a charge of grade two dangerous contact, a charge that has previously resulted in suspensions for other players. The Panthers coach, Ivan Cleary—Nathan’s father—was present at the judiciary in the pre-season, indicating a readiness to handle such proceedings. Should Cleary be sidelined, Jack Cogger, recently returning from a three-game suspension, may be called upon to fill the halves position. Blaize Talagi is another option, having just returned to the side at right centre following the withdrawal of Luke Garner due to a groin injury.

Meanwhile, the Roosters will need to regroup rapidly as they face the Cronulla Sharks in a semi-final next week, with hopes that Sam Walker, their young halfback, can return to bolster an attack that struggled against Penrith’s staunch defence. Veteran Daly Cherry-Evans, who missed a late field goal attempt on Sunday, and Hugo Savala were unable to provide the needed impact.

In other NRL finals news, the Warriors will host the Newcastle Knights at Eden Park in front of an expected sold-out crowd of 50,000. The Warriors aim to rebound after a 26-16 loss to the Dolphins in their opening finals match. However, coach Andrew Webster is unlikely to have key forward Jackson Ford and dynamic youngster Leka Halasima available due to injury. The Knights may receive a timely boost as Origin forward Dylan Lucas works toward recovery from an ankle fracture.

The upcoming matches promise to be tightly contested as teams vie for a place in the preliminary finals, with Penrith’s fate hinging on the official decision regarding Cleary’s conduct during a critical finals moment.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.