Cleary likely to miss 2027 games after second operation
Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary might miss the start of the 2027 NRL season after a second operation in recent days.
The champion halfback suffered a grisly compound fracture and dislocation of his left left and ankle during last week’s preliminary final loss to Newcastle.
Nathan Cleary now has both legs in a cast. Instagram
He was rushed to hospital and underwent emergency surgery on that leg.
But he was already carrying a right foot fracture into the game, and has now gone under the knife to have that repaired as well.
He posted a photo to Instagram on Saturday while lying in a hospital bed watching the Prime Minister’s XIII games.
His left leg is in a moon boot, while his right leg is now also in a thick cast.
Panthers Group CEO Andrew Hill revealed to 2GB’s Continuous Call Team that Cleary might be able to play football again until after next season has started.
“The surgeon was very happy,” Hill said.
“The report was as good as we could have expected. He is at home with mum and dad, who are looking after him.
“It’s a good question (when he will be back) because who knows these days... what used to take three months (to heal) is now three weeks.
“The indication from the surgeon is, everything going to plan, round one to round four we are expecting him to be back.”
Cleary will miss Australia’s World Cup campaign later this month.
He accepted his maiden Dally M Medal on Wednesday night and gave a speech from the couch at home.
