Cleary Cleared for Finals
Nathan Cleary Cleared to Start Preliminary Final Despite Foot Injury
Anonymous
Nathan Cleary was expected to play in Penrith’s NRL preliminary final against Newcastle despite a stress-related bone injury in his right foot, sustained during the playoff win over the Roosters. Coach Ivan Cleary said the injury could worsen and that scans were not conclusive, but the club had managed it through light training and planned to have him available. Reports differed over his role: one said Penrith intended to hold him back from the opening minutes, while other reports said he was confirmed to start at halfback alongside Jack Cole. The injury also raised questions about whether Cleary could kick freely and be available for a potential grand final.
Key Points
1
Penrith tried to keep Cleary’s training out of public view, putting tarpaulin around the club’s training base to block media images.
2
Jack Cole was named to partner Cleary in the halves, while Jack Cogger was available after serving a suspension and named on an extended bench.
3
Ivan Cleary said it was too early to know whether Nathan would be fit for Australia selection for the season-ending Rugby League World Cup.
4
The Panthers had previously managed a comparable injury in a finals campaign, nursing Dylan Edwards through a foot stress fracture during their 2021 premiership run.
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