Cleary learns MRC fate after Ezra Mam tackle in Broncos loss

Last night they lost the game, but the Panthers won’t be losing their best player after the NRL Match Review Committee declined to charge Nathan Cleary for an incident involving Ezra Mam.

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Cleary was placed on report for a dangerous tackle on Mam in the 25th minute of the 14-12 loss to the Brisbane Broncos at a wet CommBank Stadium.

After lifting Mam’s legs and then driving him into the ground, referee Todd Smith ruled Cleary had placed the Broncos five-eight into a dangerous position in a tackle that also featured his NSW Blues teammate Liam Martin. 

The Panthers star was penalised and placed on report but the NRL Match Review Committee decided no further action was required.

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In 2022, Cleary was sent off and slapped with a five-week ban for a dangerous throw on Dylan Brown while earlier this season he challenged a careless high tackle charge at the NRL judiciary with the help of his father and coach Ivan, and escaped suspension.

Penrith’s back-up No.7 Jack Cogger is currently on the sidelines serving a two-match suspension of his own for a Round 18 high shot on Bunnies half Ashton Ward.

Panthers hooker Freddy Lussick was charged for an incident in the same match, hit with a fine for a grade one dangerous tackle on Broncos prop Payne Haas in the 46th minute.

Freddy Lussick was the only Panther charged following the Broncos clash.

▶️ https://t.co/JiKSyCB6Mu pic.twitter.com/rYSd8M1G5S

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— Penrith Panthers 🐾 (@PenrithPanthers) July 17, 2026