Penrith has confirmed to AAP that Nathan Cleary is out of action due to a minor hamstring injury. The star halfback was substituted during the final 10 minutes of the Panthers’ victory over Brisbane on Thursday. Following more discomfort than expected, the 26-year-old underwent scans. The Panthers plan to provide a formal update on Cleary’s condition next Tuesday. He won’t be included in the squad for the upcoming match against the Sydney Roosters and might also miss the game against Manly on April 6. The team is optimistic about his return for their game against the Wests Tigers on April 20 after the bye week in round six.
In Cleary’s absence, former Canberra player Brad Schneider is set to debut for the club, partnering with Jarome Luai in the halves for the upcoming match at Allianz Stadium. Cleary had previously taken six weeks to recover from a left hamstring tear suffered last June, which caused him to miss the final two games of the NSW State of Origin series.
Penrith is also uncertain about James Fisher-Harris’s shoulder injury, describing it as a week-to-week situation. While the damage isn’t deemed severe, Fisher-Harris missed the last game against the Broncos and may not be available for the Roosters match.
Similarly, Roosters prop Lindsay Collins is likely to be sidelined due to a low-grade hamstring strain, with rehabilitation underway. Meanwhile, Sandon Smith, the backup five-eighth, is doubtful due to a significant left elbow ligament injury suffered during the previous game against South Sydney.
On a positive note for the Roosters, halfback Sam Walker has been cleared of concussion and will be participating in the upcoming match against the Panthers. Initially diagnosed with a category-one head injury, further assessment downgraded it to category two after involvement from the NRL’s chief medical officer and other independent doctors.