Panthers NRL finals charge dealt blow by Cogger's three-match ban

Penrith Panthers' five-eighth Jack Cogger has been handed a three-match ban for a high shot on Melbourne's Tyran Wishart. This grade-two charge will sideline Cogger until after the first week of the NRL finals, unless he wins his appeal at the judiciary. If unsuccessful, an additional match will be added to his ban, potentially ruling him out for the whole season.

The Panthers now face a dilemma in selecting their starting lineup for the finals, as Cogger's return is crucial after his recent addition to the team. The 29-year-old has already faced a two-week suspension for a similar incident last season, missing two weeks due to his high shot against Ashton Ward. Cogger also received a $3,000 fine for a shot on Storm forward Angus Hinchey earlier in the match.

This suspension is a significant setback for Penrith, who are aiming for a top-two finish in the finals. His defensive presence and ball-playing skills have been invaluable in recent weeks, especially during the Panthers' comeback victory in the 2023 grand final. With Cogger's banned from playing, either Blaize Talagi or Jack Cole are likely to start in the halves for Penrith's next match against Canterbury.