‘Big question’ hanging over Cleary, Panthers as injury mystery lingers
Updated . First published at
Penrith are remaining tight-lipped on Nathan Cleary, but his injured foot will be the “big question” heading into the NRL preliminary finals.
Cleary was hobbling around in the dying stages of his side’s qualifying final win over the Sydney Roosters, but is expected to be named to face Newcastle.
Nathan Cleary. Getty Images
The 29-year-old is dealing with a stress-related injury, which the Panthers have attempted to keep on the down low, with little information on the severity and whether Cleary has a fracture in his foot that he will play through.
Penrith’s weekend off, earned by the 19-12 win over the Chooks, has given the champion halfback time to rest – something Isaah Yeo believes should help Cleary before things “ramp up” before this Sunday’s clash with the Knights.
“Not just for Nathan but for a few of the boys, that week off has been beneficial –but certainly for Nath it was,” the Panthers co-captain said on Tuesday.
“He had a pretty quiet week last week and very much enjoyed. It will be pretty light for the start of the week, but that will ramp up.
“The week has been really beneficial in that sense, to really pull him back ... but he will be right to go. He’s missed a week of training, but he’s got the runs on the board and does enough away from the field.”
Liam Martin cheekily said there was some “carry on” involved around Cleary’s injury, which presents a light-hearted deflection.
While all signs point towards Cleary taking the field, Billy Slater believes the truth won’t come to the fore until kick off at Accor Stadium.
“We won’t know until Nathan is out on the field and how he looks,” the Storm legend said on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast.
“He was limping at the back-end of that first semi final, but the two weeks will certainly help. They get a 14-day preparation and that will certainly help him.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he was in a moon boot for 95 per cent of the last fortnight. That will take pressure off his foot and because if it’s a stress-related injury, taking pressure off it is the most important thing.
“How much training has he done? He’s a player who relies on his repetition, but he does that more for his mind. He could not train for two weeks and still be the best player on the field and have a huge influence.
“It’s a big question, but a lot of players are playing with injuries.“
Slater pointed to Panthers teammate Yeo, who is pushing through the pain of a torn pectoral muscle in the hopes of claiming a fifth NRL title.
Isaah Yeo. Getty Images
Whatever level of fitness Cleary is at, Slater believes it will be up to the players around the Panthers playmaker to carry the load.
“His footy team will support him,” Slater said
“They will help him be in good field position, support his kicks with their chase.
“They look after each other with their game and that’s why they’re the hardest team to beat in the competition.”
