Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed the club will not contest Mitch Kenny’s one-match suspension, despite maintaining strong objections to the dangerous contact classification. The decision comes after Kenny’s sin-bin offense during Saturday’s match against Parramatta Eels, which resulted in a syndesmosis injury for fullback Isaiah Iongi.
Cleary expressed significant frustration with the NRL’s judicial process, particularly regarding the interpretation of hip-drop tackles. “It actually isn’t a hip drop, it’s dangerous contact,” Cleary stated, highlighting what he perceives as inconsistent application of rules. “What once was a hip drop or still is a hip drop is now dangerous contact. That’s been brought into that context.”
The controversy emerges just one week after Dragons forward Ryan Couchman received a four-match suspension for a hip-drop tackle that ended Eels star J’maine Hopgood’s season with an ACL injury. Cleary suggested that injury outcomes disproportionately influence disciplinary decisions, remarking, “if there’s a body, someone killed him.”
With Kenny serving his suspension during Friday’s crucial match against Melbourne Storm, off-season recruit Freddy Lussick is poised to make his debut at hooker. Cleary praised Lussick’s pre-season performance, describing him as “one of the fittest guys I’ve ever seen” who “turned up with a great attitude” and “made every post a winner every day.”
The Panthers face a formidable challenge against the Storm, who are seeking redemption after consecutive losses despite commanding second-half leads. Cleary specifically identified Storm fullback Sua Fa’alogo as a significant threat, noting his “electric” playing style and “incredible ability to beat people.” However, with Penrith having conceded only 30 points through four rounds, the team remains confident in their defensive capabilities.
Cleary’s decision to avoid judiciary proceedings follows his successful defense of son Nathan earlier this year, indicating strategic consideration of the NRL’s current disciplinary climate.