Penrith are accused of cheating to protect superstar Nathan Cleary ahead of NRL grand final

The Penrith Panthers have been accused of blatant cheating to protect halfback Nathan Cleary – but one former NRL star has praised the side for turning the illegal tactic into an art.

Just days before the grand final, footy journalist Paul Crawley has exposed the Panthers for using Isaah Yeo and Moses Leota in the defensive line to shield players from putting pressure on Cleary when he kicks the ball.

Several clips shown on the NRL 360 show on Tuesday night clearly show the pair moving to form a wall in front of the superstar halfback – and not being penalised for the act.

‘Cleary is playing in career-best form, there’s conversations going on about is he as good as the greatest? As good as Joey? As good as Sterlo? But I tell you one thing he doesn’t need, he doesn’t need a leg up from the referees ignoring some of the tactics going on to give him protection,’ Crawley said on NRL 360.

‘You have a look at some of these incidents involving Isaah Yeo and Moses Leota.

Isaah Yeo (pictured) and Moses Leota move in the defensive line to shield players from putting kick pressure on their superstar No.7

‘When you’re giving kick-block protection, you’re not allowed to move. They’re moving, they’re getting in the way. 

‘These are penalties that are just being ignored. Why are they being ignored?

‘I’m surprised the Broncos haven’t come out and spoken about it because you’ll remember two years ago when Bennett was coaching Souths in the grand final and this became a bit of an issue in the lead-up.

‘Wayne had sort clarity from Jared Maxwell the referees boss and then Ivan got wind of that and he accused Wayne of trying to influence the referees and it turned into a bit of a war of words.

‘But it’s a legitimate conversation that needs to be answered because you’re not allowed to do it and they’re getting away with it. It’s clear as crystal.’

NRL great Braith Anasta could see Crawley’s argument, but also applauded the side’s ability to make it work.

‘Wayne brought it up and all of sudden Wayne beat them with no kick protection but then back to the grand final and it was back to where it was again,’ Anasta said.

‘But also, credit to Penrith for doing it so well, it’s an art to get away with this.’

The illegal tactic also made headlines in the lead-up to the 2021 grand final between Penrith and Souths (pictured, Moses Leota runs the ball for the Panthers)

NRL great Braith Anasta applauded the Panthers for turning the move into an art

Crawley insisted the illegal tactic needs to be penalised by referees. 

‘The NRL has done a great job cleaning up the late hits on halves, but they’re getting enough protection now,’ he said.

‘You don’t have to give them more protection by ignoring moments that should be picked up by the referees because if you can’t get at him he’s impossible to stop.’

The Panthers are hoping to seal Australian rugby league’s first ‘three-peat’ in 40 years against the Broncos on Sunday.