Cleary apologetic following dangerous throw
Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has taken to social media to apologise for an illegal tackle which saw him sent from the field during Friday night’s Round 20 loss to Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium.
Cleary is set to sit out the remainder of the regular season after receiving a grade three dangerous throw charge for a spear tackle on Parramatta’s Dylan Brown in the 18th minute.
Being his second offence for the season, the No.7 will miss a minimum five matches with an early guilty plea, or six – including week one of finals – if the Panthers opt to fight the charge and are unsuccessful. The club has until midday tomorrow to make their decision.
“Massive apologies for tonight,” Cleary said.
“Filthy at myself for such a dumb moment that let the boys (and) the fans down.
“I’m not about that, it was terrible technique (and) I need to be better.”
Adding to the Panthers’ woes, Cleary joins halves partner Jarome Luai on the sidelines after he suffered a high grade MCL injury in Round 19, ruling the five-eighth out for “the best part of six weeks” according to physiotherapist Pete Green.