NRL journalist tested for COVID after Nathan Cleary Panthers jersey presentation

A nice gesture from star Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary for a journalist who had been made redundant took a twist after a phone call from a rival reporter.

Journalist Matt Encarnation is presented with a Panthers jersey by Nathan Cleary. Picture: Twitter

A rugby league journalist has been tested for coronavirus after coming into contact with Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary at Penrith Stadium last week.

In a nice gesture, Cleary presented AAP rugby league writer Matt Encarnacion with a signed jersey after he had been made redundant by the newswire service.

A photo of the presentation was posted on social media which led to a rival journalist pointing out a breach of bio security protocols in a phone call to the NRL.

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Matt Encarnation is presented with a Panthers jersey by Nathan Cleary. Picture: Twitter

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Encarnacion received news on Tuesday morning that the test had come back negative.

Cleary is now cleared to train with the Panthers to prepare for this weekend’s game against the Titans.

Under NRL COVID-19 rules, journalists can’t get within 1.5 metres of players.

“Our experts viewed the picture and requested Encarnacion be tested to ensure there was no risk. The test came back negative, so there was no further action required,.” an NRL spokesman said.

Originally published as NRL journalist tested for COVID after Nathan Cleary Panthers jersey presentation