Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary to miss at least first three rounds of NRL season
Penrith's million-dollar halfback and captain Nathan Cleary will miss at least the first three rounds of the NRL season.
Cleary continues to recover from off-season shoulder surgery, which he got after guiding the club to their first premiership since 2003.
"With a long and challenging season ahead of us, it's critical that we give Nathan the time he needs to return at his physical best," coach Ivan Cleary said.
READ MORE: Bill Lawry's tribute to Shane Warne
READ MORE: Sly move lights up first Test
READ MORE: Dragons snub gun pair
"While it's obviously a difficult decision and of course we would have loved to have him out there, we believe this will ensure Nathan has the best opportunity to play throughout the year at the level he demands of himself."
Stream the NRL Premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now.
Nathan Cleary. Getty
The Panthers confirmed new recruit Sean O'Sullivan will play halfback against the Sea Eagles in the season opener on Thursday night.
He will partner grand final-winning five-eighth Jarome Luai.
Shane Warne's life in pictures: From Victoria boy to Aussie 'Spin King'
