Penrith is set to restart the NRL season without Nathan Cleary after the NRL issued the star halfback with a two game suspension and a $30,000 fine.
The NRL handed Cleary an amended breach notice after it was revealed he withheld information when questioned over an incident at his home on ANZAC Day, where social distancing regulations were breached.
In addition, Tyrone May – already serving a suspension on other matters – has been handed an additional two game ban and a $15,000 fine for his involvement.
The move is a dramatic one from the NRL who had previously not fined May and had issued Cleary with a suspended one game ban and a $10,000 fine, 60 per cent of which was suspended.
Cleary had initially told the NRL and reporters that five women who attended his home on ANZAC Day were only there for 10 minutes, and he was unaware that a photograph had been taken.
Later, a TikTok video was revealed featuring Cleary and a number of the women – the star halfback clearly a willing participant.
Both Cleary and May will have the opportunity to respond to the breach notice and potentially appeal the punishments
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.