Andrew Johns unloads after Nathan Cleary’s ‘dangerous’ act

Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary has learned his fate after being put on report for a tackle that had Andrew Johns calling for a ban.

Nathan Cleary high tackle against the Broncos

Nathan Cleary has avoided suspension for his ugly tackle during the Panthers’ win over the Broncos on Friday night.

The star playmaker was put on report for a slinging tackle on Broncos five-eight Billy Walters in the second half.

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Rugby league immortal Andrew Johns said after the game the tackle was “really dangerous” when asked if Cleary should be worried about being charged in the match review process.

The NRL announced Saturday morning Cleary had been charged with a Grade 1 dangerous contact offence and will be fined $1000 with an early guilty plea or $1500 if he fights the charge and loses.

The NSW State of Origin halfback is now available to play for the Panthers in their Round 7 clash against the Raiders at BlueBet Stadium.

John’s comments on Friday night show he is lucky to be there.

“I think it’s dangerous, I think it’s really dangerous,” Johns said on Channel 9.

Nathan Cleary is placed on report.

“It’s not a hip-drop — and they have so many different terminologies for different wrestling moves — but that is dangerous.”

Storm legend Billy Slater said “it didn’t look good” and also said it was the type of tackle “we don’t want to see in our game”.

Walters twisted awkwardly in Cleary’s one on one tackle and the Panthers star appeared to apologise to his Broncos opposite as soon as the tackle was completed.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was confused when speaking about the moment in his post-match press conference.

“I don’t know what he was put on report for,” Cleary said about his son.

“It definitely wasn’t a hip-drop because it was a one man tackle. I don’t know the exact definition of a hip drop, but it is basically when someone is tackled and then... I mean I don’t know.

“It was more like a Cumberland throw maybe.”

‘RIP rugby league’: NRL fans slam sin bin slapping call

NRL fans are up in arms over the decision to send two players to the sin bin for slapping each other with open hands to the face.

The incident occurred during the second half of Penrith’s Friday night win.

Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards offered a few chirpy words to Broncos prop Keenan Palasia after the Panthers were awarded a penalty.

Palasia didn’t take too kindly to what Edwards said and responded by smacking him in the face with an open hand slap.

Edwards then slapped Palasia with an open palm before a melee ensued. But the referee had seen enough and sent both players to the sin bin.

“Both of them have done the same thing with an open hand strike, both going to the bin,” the referee said.

You can read the full report here.

Originally published as Andrew Johns unloads after Nathan Cleary’s ‘dangerous’ act