Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has publicly apologised for breaching coronavirus lockdown rules, describing his actions as 'irresponsible, selfish and pretty stupid'. The NRL star was caught on camera socialising with a group of young women at his home last month, violating social distancing measures.
Cleary, along with teammate Tyrone May, accepted a two-game ban from the NRL on Tuesday. Cleary was also fined $30,000 for being 'untruthful' in dealings with the league's integrity unit. May, who is already serving a separate suspension for recording an intimate image without consent, received a $15,000 fine.
In a statement on the club's website, Cleary expressed remorse for his actions. 'I brought a lot of negative attention to not only myself, but my family, the club, the game as well, and that's what has hurt me the most,' he said. He vowed to learn from the incident, quoting 19th-century theologian Tryon Edwards: 'Good actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past.'
Panthers Group boss Brian Fletcher supported the sanctions, stating that 'meaningful consequences' were necessary when players fell short of expected standards. The suspensions come as a blow to Penrith, who have started the season unbeaten, with Cleary's father and coach Ivan likely to turn to rookie half Matt Burton.
