‘Simply unacceptable’: Plot thickens in Nathan Cleary conversion drama

An “outrageous” misdemeanour from Panthers captain Nathan Cleary could have huge ramifications for this weekend’s NRL grand final.

Nathan Cleary’s “outrageous” conversion kick attempt during Saturday afternoon’s preliminary final at Suncorp Stadium could have huge ramifications for the NRL grand final.

Eagle-eyed rugby league fans spotted Cleary’s misdemeanour during Penrith’s nailbiting victory over the Melbourne Storm in Brisbane.

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In the 42nd minute, Panthers winger Brian To’o scored near the left corner post to extend Penrith’s lead to 10 points. However, Cleary attempted the following conversion kick approximately eight metres in from the touchline – nowhere near the vicinity of To’o’s try.

The 23-year-old missed the conversion attempt regardless, his wayward kick flying wide of the sticks.

As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, replays showed referee Gerard Sutton appeared to walk back on a line where he thought the try was scored before Cleary’s conversion attempt.

The Panthers ultimately clinched a 10-6 victory over the reigning champions to book their spot in the season finale, where they will face the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Daily Telegraph rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield called the incident “outrageous” on Twitter while Souths co-owner Russell Crowe also spoke out.

Explain this ( as reported by @FOXNRL@FOXSportsNews )…

See where the try is scored?
See where the kick is taken from? pic.twitter.com/BgYhk2W1lk

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 26, 2021

NRL head of football Graham Annesley hinted the bizarre incident could influence whether Sutton would be appointed for a seventh grand final.

Sutton has officiated the last five NRL grand final and also served as whistleblower for all three State of Origin matches this year.

“I’ve asked for an explanation as to how this could have possibly happened, but regardless of the reason it is simply unacceptable,” Annesley said.

“I can understand a split-second judgment error in general play, but this is a basic procedural matter that should never occur. Thankfully the kick missed so no advantage was gained, but we will further consider the implications of the error when we meet to review both games (on Monday) morning.”

Earlier in the match, Cleary was put on report for dangerously lifting Melbourne forward Kenny Bromwich in a two-man tackle with Paul Momirovski.

However, the NRL confirmed on Sunday morning that the Panthers captain had not been charged for the incident, and he would be free to play in the grand final.

Originally published as ‘Simply unacceptable’: Plot thickens in Nathan Cleary conversion drama