NRL fans have expressed outrage after Penrith Panthers captain Nathan Cleary escaped suspension for a dangerous tackle on Brisbane Broncos' Billy Walters during Friday night's 40-12 victory at BlueBet Stadium. The incident, which occurred in the 65th minute, saw Cleary wrestle Walters to the ground, twisting his body awkwardly and causing his head and neck to hit the turf hard.
Cleary was charged with a grade one dangerous contact offence, resulting in a fine of between $1,000 and $1,500 depending on his plea. Many fans took to social media to vent their frustration, labelling Cleary a 'protected species' and the NRL's 'golden boy'. One fan tweeted: 'Biggest joke. If Walters breaks a leg, or does knee/ankle, it would be weeks. Get that sort of crap out of the game.' Another compared the punishment to that of other players, saying: 'Jack Hetherington would have copped 8 weeks.'
Claims of favouritism were widespread, with one fan posting: 'If it was Latrell Mitchell he'd get 4 weeks. Nathan Cleary will be playing next week.' Another predicted before the charge sheet was released: 'Nathan Cleary won't even get a fine - the NRL will find a way to blame Billy Walters for the tackle.'
However, a Penrith legend and club board member defended Cleary, stating: 'It's ridiculous to suggest he's a protected species. It wasn't a hip-drop tackle and, although it looked awkward, it's not unusual for a player to use his feet or lower leg as leverage to get someone down.'
NRL Immortal Andrew Johns labelled the wrestling tactic as dangerous on Nine's post-game coverage, saying: 'I think it's dangerous, I think it's really dangerous.' Queensland Origin coach Billy Slater also thought Cleary might have faced a suspension, while Darren Lockyer noted the tackling technique was becoming more common. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary dismissed the concern, saying: 'I don't know what he's gone on report for, it wasn't a hip drop.'
