Cleary marched in Penrith-Eels NRL clash

Nathan Cleary is facing an NRL suspension after the Penrith halfback was sent off for the first time in his career.

Cleary was given his marching orders by referee Todd Smith after a spear tackle on lively Parramatta five-eighth Dylan Brown in the 17th minute on Friday night.

Brown was slammed head first into the turf by Clearly, raising the ire of Eels fans at CommBank Stadium.

Parramatta managed to run out to a commanding half-time lead of 30-4.

Cleary is the first Penrith player since Travis Burns in 2012 to be sent off in an NRL premiership game.

The first-placed Panthers, who are one win from securing the minor premiership, face Canberra, Melbourne and South Sydney over the next three weeks.

A ban for the Panthers halfback could not have come at a worse time with starting five-eighth Jarome Luai sidelined with a knee injury.