Penrith workhorse Liam Martin named three players that the Panthers had complete confidence in steering the team around if co-captain Nathan Cleary faces a suspension for dangerous contact or succumbs to a foot injury.
Cleary made contact with Hugo Savala's kicking leg as the Roosters five-eighth launched a clearing kick just before the half-time siren in Sunday’s qualifying final win at CommBank Stadium and was sent to the sin bin.
A Grade 1 charge of dangerous contact carries a fine but a Grade 2 charge could rule Cleary out of the preliminary final in a fortnight.
But with Jack Cole, Jack Cogger and Blaize Talagi all thoroughly competent halves, Martin said there would be no panic buttons being hit.
“It’s incredible the depth we have... Jack Cole played unbelievably, we’ve got Coggs coming back (suspension) and we’ve got Blaize as well,” he said.
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“If we are unfortunate enough to lose Nathan, I’m positive we have someone to stand up and do a job.
“He knew he maybe let the team down in that period and he was filthy on himself.”
Cleary told Channel Nine's Brad Fittler post-match that he knew he had made a mistake.
“The way the rules are at the moment you can’t put yourself in that position," he said.
“So silly by me, and I let the boys down.”
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Cleary has only two other sin bins in his career – a pre-season trial game in February this year against Wests Tigers for high contact with Heamasi Makasini, and June 2018 for a professional foul against Daly Cherry-Evans, when he was with Manly.
Cole has filled in admirably for Cogger, while he sat out for three matches on a careless high tackle charge.
“He’s been unbelievable the last three weeks,” Martin said of Cole.
“His defence has been incredibly strong, his attack, his running game... he’s playing with such confidence – it’s wonderful to see.
“He’s always had the talent, he’s always worked hard. I’m really glad to see him get his chance.”
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Cogger partnered Cleary in the halves late in the season after Talagi was sent back to NSW Cup to find form and confidence.
Back in the starting side for the first time since Round 21, Talagi ran for 118 metres and had four tackle breaks playing centre against the Roosters.
“Speaks a lot to Blaize’s character,” Martin said. “He didn’t kick stones he got to work and was positive around the group.
“You couldn’t even tell he got dropped. Then he gets his chance again and he was on fire.
“It’s pretty special to be a part of group that can do that.”
