The Panthers are suffering from yet another horrific injury.
After delaying surgery, Nathan Cleary is expected to participate in the playoffs this season, according to the Panthers.
The legendary halfback hurt his shoulder on Thursday night, but Friday’s scans were as good as they could be, opening the door for him to lead the Panthers to what could be a record-breaking fourth straight premiership.
At first, there was concern that Cleary would miss the rest of the campaign.
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Late in the second half of his team’s 24–22 loss against the Storm, he came off the field clutching at his shoulder. In an ambulance, he departed BlueBet Stadium.
During Nine’s post-game coverage on Thursday night, former Jillaroo Allana Ferguson stated, “He is an unmatched player—you can’t take Nathan Cleary off the field and expect Penrith to be the same sort of side.”
“With him out of the picture, Jarome Luai has been outstanding at halfback, but when the two of them combine, they can score points.
On August 15, 2024, in Penrith, Australia, during the Penrith Panthers vs. Melbourne Storm round 24 NRL match at BlueBet Stadium, Nathan Cleary of the Panthers grips his shoulder. (Image courtesy of Getty Images/Brendon Thorne)
A trainer evaluating Nathan Cleary. Getty
“The defense is left in disbelief when they reach that ruck pace because they have so many varied alternatives. They can still play excellent football, but things are really different when Nathan Cleary isn’t there.”
Brad Fittler then noted that in the five games since his comeback, Cleary has won three of them almost by himself: the Dolphins two-point field goal on his return, the Knights try, and the Eels game-winning goal.
It’s not all bad news, either. Fittler thinks that despite having a weaker backbone, the side is still powerful.
This season, the Panthers have played more games without Cleary than with him (eleven versus ten), and they have won seven of them.
Following Jarome Luai’s switch to halfback against the Warriors, they dropped their opening game but took the following four games.
Fittler asserted that even without the best player in the league, the Panthers remain a formidable opponent.
