Harry Grant cleared of ‘Hoppa’ tackle on Nathan Cleary in State of Origin Game 2

The NRL has responded after Queensland star Harry Grant was spotted making a questionable tackle in State of Origin Game 2.

The NRL has cleared Harry Grant of any wrongdoing after footage emerged of an unsavoury tackle in Queensland’s victory in State of Origin Game 2.

Grant played the full 80 minutes at hooker for Queensland, laying a team high 55 tackles as he secured his first win as the Maroons’ starting No. 9.

FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.

But eagle-eyed viewers noticed a peculiar moment during the game, where Grant was accused of ‘doing a Hoppa’ on NSW halfback Nathan Cleary.

However the NRL has cleared Grant of any wrongdoing, with fresh camera angles provided to Code Sports showing Grant did not ‘do a Hoppa’ — the X-rated act made infamous by former Manly player John Hopoate.

Watch the Harry Grant tackle in the video above

The angles show Grant in fact gave Cleary a ‘wedgie’ by pull up his shorts in the tackle — an action the NRL has deemed not worthy of punishment.

Hopoate was suspended for 12 weeks in 2001 for inserting fingers in three players’ backsides.

Harry Grant giving Nathan Cleary a wedgie during Origin II.

Harry Grant has been cleared of any wrongdoing. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Grant played in Melbourne’s golden point win over the Rabbitohs on Saturday night, where he put a coathanger tackle on South Sydney’s Sean Keppie that went unpunished.

Keppie was clobbered around the throat by Grant and was left dry retching on the ground in obvious discomfort, but referee Peter Gough and the bunker let it slide.

It was a potentially decisive non-call as the Storm went on to win thanks to a Ryan Papenhuyzen drop goal in the 83rd minute.

Rubbing salt in the wounds for Rabbitohs fans, Keaon Koloamatangi was penalised for incidental contact on Melbourne’s Cameron Munster.

Grant will be a part of Queensland team chasing a State of Origin series win in the decider in Sydney next month.

Harry Grant put a high tackle on South Sydney's Sean Keppie. Photo: Fox Sports.

The Maroons defeated NSW 26-24 in Game 2, making the most of a lopsided penalty count and poor conversion kicking from the Blues.

In news that won’t make NSW fans happy, Ashley Klein is set to be handed the officiating reins for the State of Origin decider despite his controversial performance in Perth which left NSW fans outraged.

The Blues’ main gripe was why Klein chose to ignore numerous clear indiscretions by Maroons players while penalising the Blues for similar offences.

However, despite the Blues’ protests, Code Sports reports Klein will again be in charge of the series decider.

That is because the NRL referees are rated under a KPI system by the league and by the numbers Klein is at the top of the list.

Categories measured include play-the-ball speed, decision-making, communication, game understanding, accuracy, communication with other officials, consistency, identifying infringements, positioning, game management, ruck communication, positioning, fitness and endurance.

His appointment for Game 3 will be under heavy scrutiny and will undoubtedly be met with fierce backlash.

Originally published as Harry Grant cleared of ‘Hoppa’ tackle on Nathan Cleary in State of Origin Game 2