Huge boost for Yeo, Panthers after season-ending fears
Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo does not require surgery on his pectoral muscle, in a major boost for Penrith on the cusp of the NRL finals.
Yeo injured his right pec during the Panthers’ 28-12 loss to the Warriors in Auckland on Friday night, but the club has confirmed the gun lock forward does not need to go under the knife.
Isaah Yeo. Getty Images
Instead, he will begin rehabilitation immediately, with his sights set on returning to the field this season as Penrith chase a fifth premiership in six years.
The positive news follows a worrisome admission by Ivan Cleary in the post-match press conference.
“It doesn’t look great,” the coach said.
Yeo suffered the injury during a tackle attempt on Warriors back-rower Jacob Laban, with the NSW State of Origin captain reeling out of the tackle clutching at his chest area.
Penrith remain in first place on the ladder despite their loss in Auckland.
The Panthers and Roosters are both on 36 points but Penrith are ahead on differential.
The Warriors (34 points) and Sharks (32) round out the top four, with the Dolphins (32) threatening to break in.
A top-of-the-table blockbuster between the Panthers and Roosters will kick off round 24 at CommBank Stadium on Thursday night.
The Panthers will also face the Storm, Bulldogs and Wests Tigers on the run to the finals.
