Penrith Panthers forward Moses Leota has avoided disciplinary action after being placed on report for a crusher tackle during the team’s tense 18-14 win over the Wests Tigers on Sunday. The incident, which involved former teammate Sunia Turuva, occurred midway through the first half and had the potential to overshadow the victory. However, the Panthers can now breathe a collective sigh of relief as Leota was not charged by the NRL’s match review committee.
Leota, one of the Panthers’ most physical and reliable forwards, was involved in a two-man tackle on Turuva. The tackle saw fellow front-rower and Australian Kangaroos representative Lindsay Smith wrap up Turuva low around the legs, while Leota came in from above, resulting in what was deemed a possible crusher tackle—a dangerous move where the tackler’s body weight applies downward pressure to the ball carrier’s neck and spine. This style of tackle has been under increased scrutiny from the NRL due to the serious risk it poses to players’ safety.
Sunday’s tackle raised immediate concerns, leading to Leota being placed on report by the on-field officials. The NRL has been taking a firm stance on crusher tackles in recent seasons, issuing substantial penalties in an effort to deter players from engaging in the dangerous act. Most notably, Canterbury Bulldogs’ second-rower Jacob Preston was recently suspended for four games for a similar offense. Preston initially faced a three-match ban but chose to challenge the judiciary’s ruling, ultimately receiving an extra game after his appeal was unsuccessful.
In another recent case, Penrith’s own Liam Henry received a two-game suspension for a crusher tackle, underlining the seriousness with which the league treats these infractions. Given that context, many expected that Leota might face similar consequences following the incident with Turuva. However, when the NRL match review committee released its charge sheet on Monday, Leota’s name was conspicuously absent—confirming that he would not be sanctioned.
The only player cited for a crusher tackle from Sunday’s fixtures was Canberra Raiders’ Zac Hosking, who was fined $1,000 for his tackle on South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Keaon Koloamatangi. While Hosking’s offense did not warrant a suspension, the fine served as a reminder of the league’s ongoing efforts to penalize all dangerous conduct, regardless of the player or club involved.
For Leota and the Panthers, the lack of a charge is a welcome outcome as the team tries to build momentum after an inconsistent start to the season. The victory over the Tigers marked the first time this year that Penrith has secured back-to-back wins—a small but important milestone as they look to climb the ladder. The reigning premiers, who have struggled to recapture the dominant form that led them to multiple recent titles, now sit in 13th place on the NRL ladder.
Leota’s contribution to the team has been instrumental in Penrith’s recent upturn in form. Known for his hard-hitting defense and aggressive running game, the veteran prop has become a cornerstone of the Panthers’ forward pack. Any potential suspension would have dealt a significant blow to the team’s efforts to turn their season around.
The incident involving Turuva also carried added weight because of the players’ shared history. Sunia Turuva, who previously played with Leota at Penrith, now lines up for the Wests Tigers. Their familiarity added a personal dimension to the incident, although there is no suggestion of any malice in the tackle. It’s a reminder of how close relationships and past team dynamics can occasionally come into play during competitive matches.
The broader context of the NRL’s crackdown on crusher tackles cannot be ignored. Over the past few years, the league has implemented stricter protocols to address the issue. Crusher tackles have long been viewed as a serious safety concern, with medical experts warning of the potential for spinal injuries, nerve damage, and long-term health consequences. As such, the NRL’s judiciary has taken a no-tolerance approach, regularly handing out multi-game bans and fines to curb the trend.
Despite the crackdown, the move to clear Leota suggests that the match review committee did not believe the tackle met the threshold for dangerous contact. The ruling may hinge on the exact mechanics of the tackle, the intent, and whether Turuva was placed in a vulnerable position as a direct result of Leota’s actions. It’s also possible that the involvement of Smith in the tackle played a role in distributing responsibility, reducing the severity of any potential charge against Leota.
This latest decision underscores the sometimes fine line the NRL must walk in determining what constitutes a chargeable offense. While consistency and player welfare remain top priorities, every tackle must still be assessed individually, taking into account all contributing factors.
Looking ahead, Penrith will be eager to build on their current form. With Leota cleared and no further suspensions looming, the Panthers can prepare for their next challenge with their full forward pack available. For a team that has been chasing the high standards set in previous seasons, every match—and every player—counts.
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In summary, the decision not to charge Moses Leota offers a measure of relief to both the player and the Panthers, especially in a season where consistency and squad depth have been difficult to achieve. As the NRL continues to enforce player safety rules, particularly around dangerous tackles, this case highlights the importance of careful review and the nuanced interpretation of on-field incidents.
