In a significant setback for the Penrith Panthers, superstar halfback Nathan Cleary is poised to miss the opening two rounds of the NRL season. This development follows a dangerous contact charge levied by the NRL's match review committee after Friday night's trial match.
Cleary's Controversial Hit Leads to Suspension
During the Panthers' 26-12 trial loss to the Wests Tigers, Cleary was sin-binned for a high shot on teenage winger Heamasi Makasini, making contact flush on the jaw. The incident has resulted in a grade two dangerous contact charge.
If Cleary accepts an early guilty plea, he will be suspended for two matches, ruling him out of Penrith's season opener against the Brisbane Broncos and their round two clash with the Cronulla Sharks. However, should he challenge the decision unsuccessfully, the suspension would extend to three games.
Panthers' Replacement Plans
With Cleary likely sidelined, Jack Cogger emerges as the probable replacement. Cogger, who missed Friday's trial due to a minor injury, is expected to step into the pivotal halfback role for the Panthers during Cleary's absence.
Dolphins Engine Room Hit by Molo Charges
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are confronting their own disciplinary crisis. Forward Francis Molo has been charged for two separate hits on Warriors prop Jackson Ford during trials, with one incident involving a shoulder charge that has drawn sharp criticism.
NRL analyst Andy Raymond has publicly called for severe punishment, stating, 'Francis Molo NEEDS an extended suspension. These shoulder charges cannot continue, he should have learned his lesson a few years back.'
Molo's Suspension and Troubled History
Molo faces a three-match ban for his actions, which would see him miss the Dolphins' opening fixtures against South Sydney Rabbitohs, Gold Coast Titans, and Cronulla Sharks. This marks his third offence, compounding a tragic history that includes involvement in a 2015 Queensland Cup tackle that resulted in the accidental death of James Ackerman.
In related disciplinary news, Jackson Ford was charged for a hip-drop tackle on Selwyn Cobbo but can avoid suspension by accepting a $3,000 fine.
Dolphins' Fullback Position Clarified
Amid the suspension drama, Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has confirmed Hamiso Tabui-Fidow will start the season at fullback, despite impressive trial performances from Trai Fuller. Woolf emphasized, 'Hammer is our fullback and I have never deviated from that. Hammer will be right for round one.'
The coach explained Tabui-Fidow is currently recovering from a shoulder knock but will resume full training shortly, with plans for him to represent both Queensland in State of Origin and Samoa at the World Cup this year.
These disciplinary actions represent early season challenges for both the Panthers and Dolphins as they prepare for their NRL campaigns, with key players facing significant time on the sidelines.
