‘I can’t imagine’: DCE’s sympathy for Ivan Cleary after son’s injury ordeal
Daly Cherry-Evans admits it was hard to watch Nathan Cleary go down like he did in the preliminary final, passing on sympathy to the Panthers star’s family over the horror situation.
Cleary had a compound fracture in his ankle after a hip-drop tackle from Phoenix Crossland with the Panthers star sent straight to hospital.
Daly Cherry-Evans. Nine
The incident happened before half-time with Penrith coach and Nathan’s father Ivan having to compose himself and try and steer his side to victory.
It was noted that on the sideline Nathan’s mother Bec was in tears as she watched her son be taken away from the field in a medicab.
Cherry-Evans, who only watched the first half, said it’s “hard to see those things”.
“Obviously, I feel bad for him and as a parent, I can’t imagine how his dad sat up in the box and had to coach a footy side after you’ve seen your son go down like that,” he said.
“I know Nathan well enough to say he’s very, very resilient and he’ll come back bigger and stronger but it was hard to watch on the weekend.
“I definitely send all my love out to him and the family ... hopefully he bounces back.”
Nathan had ankle surgery immediately, which will now lead to a long recovery. He also broke his other foot before the preliminary final and started from the bench against the Knights.
Penrith also lost Blaize Talagi to an Achilles injury while Dylan Edwards injured his posterior cruciate ligament as well. Isaah Yeo requires surgery on a ruptured pectoral too but could still play in the Rugby League World Cup.
For Cherry-Evans, the focus now moves on to the grand final against Newcastle having been a new signing at the club in the off-season.
Cherry-Evans’ arrival pushed Sandon Smith out of the club and now both men will go head-to-head in a decider.
The Manly premiership winner’s arrival was akin to the Roosters’ pursuit of Cooper Cronk in 2017 which led to consecutive premierships in ’18 and ’19.
Cherry-Evans’ one and only title came in 2011 before missing out in 2013 to the Roosters despite being named the Clive Churchill medallist.
Kieran Foran and fresh-faced Daly Cherry-Evans celebrate at the Manly Leagues Club after defeating the New Zealand Warriors in the 2011 NRL grand final. Getty
The Roosters half said patience has helped him in pursuit of another ring.
“I consider myself to be a very patient person,” he smiled.
“I’m obviously still here playing, still trying to chase that premiership glory, patience is always something I’ve been blessed with and I was more than happy to wait.
“It’s fantastic the opportunity is here again.”
