'I'm concerned': Ivan Cleary's telling words after Nathan injured in tense top-of-the-table clash

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary says he is "concerned" by Nathan Cleary's injury as the star is taken from the stadium via an ambulance.

Cleary has sent shivers down Penrith's spine as his season takes a nasty turn with a shoulder injury.

It remains unclear the extent of the 26-year-old's injury but his coach-father revealed telling signs that his season may be on the ropes.

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"He's obviously shoulder injuries. He hurt it in the pre-season and had some trouble with it earlier in the year," the three-time premiership-winning coach told reports post-match.

"I'm concerned. It was bad enough for him to come off. We are organising scans for tomorrow.

"He's in better shape than he was when he did his hammy. Hopefully, that's good news but what do you do."

The halfback silenced Penrith Stadium as he fell to the turf clutching at his left shoulder after taking a hit up against Melbourne's defence.

Mat Thompson said Cleary "doesn't look good" as he crumpled in discomfort and pain as before calling for medics. He was later walked from the field.

"You gotta say the chances of Penrith going for a four-peat is going to be challenging," Andrew Johns said in commentary on Nine.

"Although we've seen Jarome Luai really elevate himself since Nathan has been out.

"Fingers crossed. Hopefully, he's alright, Nathan Cleary."

Cleary has suffered a horror run with injuries in recent months and previously underwent surgery because of shoulder complaints in the past.

Nine's Emma Lawrence confirmed the shoulder injury was to the opposite shoulder to what he suffered in 2021.

"It's the left shoulder for Nathan Cleary. That's the opposite side to the one he did a couple of years ago," Lawrence said.

"They're still assessing whether it's ligament or joint."

The thrilling minor premiership race delivered to expectations as Nelson Asofa-Solomona was given marching orders for a swinging arm on Daine Laurie.

Laurie took a hit up from Cameron Munster but was not taken down until the force of the Melbourne prop, who consequently caused a three-way collision.

The incident left Munster bloodied and flattened on the reigning premiers' home turf, while Laurie returned to the line.

"He's been Nelsoned!" Johns said.

Earlier, the Melbourne Storm took ownership of the match early as a controversial call gifted the visitors a strong lead.

After back-to-back attacking sets on Penrith's line, the Storm opened an opportunity off a scrum set play to send Grant Anderson over in the corner untouched.

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But upon review, Nine's Johns noted Panthers' halfback Nathan Cleary was taken out in the run of play by a leading runner.

"Nathan Cleary was taken out," Johns said in commentary for Nine.

The video replay indicated Jack Howarth had impeded Clearyout of contention as a defence mix-up by Izack Tago and Daine Laurie unfolded.

"Jack Howarth has come through the line and he runs into Cleary. Nathan cannot get to the outside and help Turuva defend. This will be no try," Johns said.

"Last week we saw the last try Penrith scored that Liam Martin pretty much knocked over Daejarn Asi and it was allowed."

However, despite the halfback's removal from play, the Bunker confirmed Anderson's efforts.

"There is no doubt that Howarth makes contact with Cleary... but it's try confirmed," Cameron Smith said.

"They would've taken into account whether they thought Nathan Cleary would've been able to get out to that far corner."

"Nathan Cleary was unable to help Sunia Turuva after colliding with [Howarth]," Johns interjected.

"The Bunker took a look at the lead-up but ultimately deemed that the try resulted from a poor read from Turuva with Cleary never in a position to make a difference.

"I don't mind unless there is consistency."

In the 15th minute, Jahrome Hughes produced a pinpoint bomb that was flicked back into the hands of Eli Katoa who charged over to extend the lead to 10.

Penrith hit back through Lindsay Smith before Jarome Luai's magic boot gifted Tago an incredible try.

"They have been far from their fluent best, but as the game wears on, they are finding some rhythm and some of their emerging stars continue to impress," Mat Thompson said.

Dylan Edwards and Casey McLean followed but their efforts were not enough as a late penalty to the Storm sealed the scores at 24-22.