Nathan Cleary's recent controversial tackle on Hugo Savala has sparked a debate regarding consistency in disciplinary action within the league.
Critics calling for Cleary's suspension should recall Zac Hosking's tackle on Reece Walsh during the previous finals series, which resulted in a grade one charge and a fine.
Some argue that while Cleary is a premier player, that should not influence the decision on his incident.
Conversely, Josh Aloiai received a grade two charge and a one-match suspension for a tackle on Shaun Johnson earlier this year, raising questions about fairness.
Former player Braith Anasta has publicly stated, "I'm questioning whether it was a penalty myself," indicating mixed opinions within the commentary community.
The consensus seems to be that the context-whether a preliminary final or regular season-should not alter the severity of the punishment.
Ultimately, tackles like Cleary's should be judged independently of the player's status, reinforcing the need for standardized disciplinary measures across all incidents.