The Penrith Panthers are set to start the season without Nathan Cleary, with the star halfback being suspended for a minimum of two games.

Towards the end of the first half in their 26-12 loss against the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval, the 28-year-old was penalised for making high contact on winger Heamasi Makasini.

The incident would immediately see Cleary sin-binned and placed on report.

Following that, the judiciary has since graded the incident as a Grade 2 careless high tackle.

With this being his second offence, it means that Cleary has been handed a three-match suspension.

Should the four-time premiership winner take an early plea on the grade, he would only receive a two-match suspension.

That would see him miss their preliminary final rematch against the Broncos in Round 1, alongside their clash against Cronulla at Bathurst in Round 2.

Speaking about the incident, Chad Townsend did feel for Cleary but acknowledged that the rules around head contact have become black and white.

"Unfortunately, this is a contact sport, and these situations do happen where players are at different levels," he told SEN's Around the Grounds.

"At the end of the day, the rules are very clear now. You cannot make contact with the head regardless of whether it's incidental or whatever it is at this stage."

The Panthers have until midday (AEDT) on Monday to enter their plea to the judiciary.