Concerns surrounding Nathan Cleary's recent suspension controversy have drawn commentary from NRL great Andrew Johns. He believes that the league's regulations need simplification.
Cleary faced scrutiny after being sin-binned for an incident involving Hugo Savala during the Panthers' qualifying final against the Roosters, where he contacted Savala's kicking leg. Following the match, debate arose over whether Cleary would face further punishment. Ultimately, he received a $1,000 fine for a Grade 1 charge, but Johns expressed that this was excessive.
On '100% Footy,' Johns argued, "My take is it's a penalty but it wasn't a sin-bin at all." He highlighted inconsistencies in enforcement, comparing Cleary's case to that of Raiders forward Zac Hosking, who was not sin-binned for a similar infraction last year.
Johns criticized the league's complex terminology, suggesting it complicates the sport unnecessarily: "It's a simple game." Meanwhile, Cleary's eligibility for the preliminary final remains uncertain due to a stress-related foot injury. The Panthers stated they would monitor his condition closely.
Coach Ivan Cleary is optimistic about Nathan's recovery, attributing his injury to overuse. He noted that Nathan's extensive kicking and running during games may have contributed to his discomfort. Ivan emphasized the benefit of having a week off to prepare for the preliminary final.