Nathan Cleary, the star of Penrith Panthers, has confirmed that his hamstring injury is minor. Dispelling worries that he might face an extended period off-field due to the injury sustained last weekend, Cleary expressed his intention to make a comeback for Round 7 against the Wests Tigers. This implies he’ll miss just two games, including the Thursday clash with the Sydney Roosters and the subsequent match against the Manly Sea Eagles, before the team has a bye in Round 6.
In an interview with Channel 9, Cleary disclosed that the hamstring injury affects his other leg compared to the one that sidelined him last year. He also mentioned that had the recent game been a grand final, he would have played through the injury. He described it as a minor tear and emphasized the importance of managing his workload, particularly with extras and kicking, which he previously enjoyed without concern. He reflected on encountering similar issues last year and highlighted the need for mental preparation and planning to navigate through them.
Given Cleary’s history of injuries in recent seasons and the significant upcoming commitments, including the potential selection for the New South Wales Blues in the State of Origin series and leading the Penrith Panthers’ bid for a fourth consecutive premiership, a cautious approach to his return is sensible. With Cleary sidelined this weekend, Brad Schendier will retain his place in the side alongside Jarome Luai for another week.