Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary has opened up on his sin binning in Week 1 of the finals, labelling his own actions as "a stupid play."
On the stroke of half-time, Cleary attempted to charge down on Sydney Roosters five-eighth Hugo Savalo, accidentally making contact with his legs after the Steeden was kicked.
With the scores locked at 12-all, it was a low-percentage play right before the players went into the sheds, and Cleary was placed on report and sent for ten for the dangerous contact.
Cleary returned to the field in the 50th minute of the match, with the Roosters unable to capitalise on the advantage after Savala also missed the penalty goal for Cleary's infringement.
The two-time Clive Churchill Medallist played a decisive role in a highly entertaining and intense match, slotting a crucial field goal in the last ten minutes before winger Brian To'o sealed a preliminary final berth.
Following full-time, Cleary reflected on his charge down attempt, admitting he was full of guilt while he had to watch on from the sheds.
“My mind was racing a million miles an hour,” Cleary said on SEN League.
“I just felt instant guilt; (it was) just a stupid play.
“I thought I had a moment to change the game there with 50 seconds to go in the half, but the way the rules are at the moment, you just can't put yourself in that position. It was silly by me.
“But the boys, far out, they're just an amazing bunch. (They) dug deep in that 10 minutes, I thought ultimately that's what got us to win, so I owe them a few, that's for sure.”
All eyes will turn to the NRL's MRC to see what they will grade the contact on Savala, and anything above a Grade 1 is set to see the superstar halfback face suspension at a crucial time of the season.
Nathan also looked to pick up an injury concern, spotted hobbling awkwardly on his foot after he drilled the 70th-minute field goal.
The Roosters will now host the Cronulla Sharks at Allianz Stadium, while the Panthers will play the winner of the New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights.
