The NRL finals have officially kicked up a gear, and after a massive weekend of footy, we’re down to the business end of the season.
The Panthers survived a thriller against the Roosters, winning 19–12, but Nathan Cleary’s night came with a little extra drama after he was sent to the sin bin for dangerous contact with Hugo Savala.
So, what happens to Nathan Cleary?
Cleary has now been charged with Grade One dangerous contact by the NRL Match Review Committee.
The good news for Panthers fans? He’s avoided suspension and will cop a $1,000 fine, meaning he’ll be available for Penrith’s preliminary final.
Cleary later admitted the incident was a pretty “stupid” decision.
The rest of the weekend
The Knights ended South Sydney’s season with a 20–10 win, while the Dolphins produced one of the weekend’s biggest upsets, knocking out the Warriors 26–16 in Auckland.
The Sharks also kept their season alive, beating the Cowboys 26–16.
What happens next?
This weekend, the Roosters face the Sharks in a sudden-death clash, while the Warriors take on the Knights.
The winners move on, the losers are gone, and they’ll be chasing spots in the preliminary finals against the Panthers and Dolphins.
With Cleary cleared to play, the Panthers are now one step closer to another shot at the Grand Final.
