Nathan Cleary free to play NRL round one after judiciary win led by father Ivan
In a bombshell move Ivan Cleary represented his son as the Penrith greats argued their case.
Nathan Cleary’s judiciary gamble has paid off, with the Penrith halfback cleared of suspension and given the green light to line up in the Panthers’ NRL season opener.
The father-son combination was a success for Penrith once more on Monday, with Panthers coach Ivan Cleary - rather than a lawyer - successfully arguing for Nathan to have the charge against him downgraded at the NRL judiciary.
The Panthers No. 7 had been hit with a grade-two careless high tackle charge for a shot on Wests Tigers winger Heamasi Makasini.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Cleary rushed out of the line and made the hit as the Tigers rookie juggled the ball in Friday’s trial.
The halfback was expected to miss Penrith’s two opening games against Brisbane and Cronulla by taking the early guilty plea.
Cleary instead risked spending a further match on the sidelines by fighting the charge.
But after winning four-straight premierships together, the Clearys can add judiciary downgrades to their resumes after the panel of Ryan James and Greg McCullum agreed to reduce the charge after just 12 minutes of deliberation.
Cleary Jr told the panel he had rushed towards Makasini but argued the contact was shoulder to shoulder.
“If I stand back and he gets momentum and I risk becoming a speedbump,” Cleary said.
The NRL’s legal counsel Lachlan Gyles opted against cross-examining the halfback, but said Cleary had increased the risk in his tackle by approaching Makasini at speed.
Cleary Sr calmly argued his son had looked to create force but had shown a duty of care by planting his feet in anticipation of the collision and making shoulder to shoulder contact.
Nathan Cleary escaped with a fine and will be now free to line up against the Broncos in round one.
His inclusion is a massive boost for Penrith, who started 2025 slowly and sat bottom after 12 rounds before making the top eight.
The Panthers lost a preliminary final against eventual premiers Brisbane, ending their run of four-straight premierships.
