Nathan Cleary's participation in the upcoming preliminary final remains uncertain as he faces a potential dangerous contact charge that could lead to a suspension.
After the Penrith Panthers triumphed 19-12 over the Sydney Roosters, Cleary, who was instrumental in securing the win with a decisive field goal, now contends with both judicial and medical concerns.
During the match, he was sin-binned for making contact with Hugo Savala's leg after Savala kicked the ball. Cleary also sustained an injury to his right foot, visibly limping in the final moments of the game.
Before delivering the match-winning kick, he communicated his discomfort to a physiotherapist, reportedly stating, "my foot is f***ed."
Pleading for caution, Cleary opted to let teammate Dylan Edwards attempt the last conversion, citing his foot's stability as the reason.
Penrith has a two-week window before facing either the Warriors or Newcastle, during which Cleary is expected to undergo scans.
In addition to his injury concerns, he awaits the NRL's match review committee verdict on the incident involving Savala. A grade-one charge would result in a fine, while a grade-two charge could lead to a one-match suspension.
Penrith would have to weigh the risks of contesting a grade-two charge, as losing could escalate the ban to include the grand final. Cleary expressed regret over the incident, stating, "I felt a lot of guilt. I felt like I let the boys down." His father, coach Ivan Cleary, dismissed concerns over a potential ban, emphasizing that the incident was merely a misjudged angle during the game.