Nathan Cleary, the Penrith Panthers halfback, has provided an update on his expected return from injury. Cleary, who has been out of action since the club’s Round 24 loss to the Melbourne Storm, has been dealing with multiple injuries this season, including a significant hamstring injury that sidelined him for the entire State of Origin series, as well as a shoulder issue that emerged earlier in the season.
Cleary returned to the team after missing a substantial part of the season, only to suffer a shoulder injury in Round 24, sparking concerns that he might miss the remainder of the season. Initial assessments suggested that Cleary’s shoulder injury might be an instability issue, with recovery times ranging from two weeks to as long as six months, depending on the severity of the injury.
Despite these concerns, Cleary remains optimistic about his recovery timeline, expressing confidence that he will be back on the field in the coming weeks as the Panthers prepare for a deep run in the finals. Speaking on Channel 9, Cleary rated his recovery at “about a seven” and indicated that he expects it to improve to a “ten in a few weeks,” signaling his belief that he will be ready to contribute to the Panthers’ campaign as they push for another premiership.
As Cleary continues his rehabilitation, the Panthers are facing stiff competition from several top NRL teams, including the Cronulla Sharks, Melbourne Storm, and Sydney Roosters. These teams have emerged as significant threats to Penrith’s hopes of securing a fourth consecutive premiership. Cleary singled out the Melbourne Storm as a particularly dangerous opponent, highlighting the impact of their star five-eighth Cameron Munster, whose dynamic play makes the Storm a formidable challenge in the upcoming finals.
The Panthers recently secured a crucial victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs and are set to face the Gold Coast Titans in their final regular season match. While a win against the Titans is highly likely, the Panthers are focused on maintaining their position in second place on the NRL ladder. Securing this spot would guarantee them a home final in the first week of the playoffs, providing a significant advantage as they aim to defend their title.
Cleary’s potential return comes at a critical time for the Panthers, as his experience and leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by their top rivals. With the finals approaching, the team will be eager to have their star halfback back in action, fully fit, and ready to lead them in their pursuit of another NRL premiership.
