The Penrith Panthers are facing a tense few days following an injury to their star halfback, Nathan Cleary, who was forced off the field with a shoulder problem late in their defeat to the Melbourne Storm. Cleary appeared to be in severe pain after a tackle, showing clear discomfort as he favored his left shoulder while trying to regain his footing.
Commentator Andrew Voss immediately highlighted Cleary’s shoulder injury, noting the seriousness of the situation. Cleary’s withdrawal was swift; the Panthers’ medical staff called for a substitution, and Cleary, visibly disheartened, exited the field and headed straight to the locker room.
Cleary has struggled with injuries throughout the season, having played only ten games so far due to hamstring issues. The latest setback, involving his shoulder, has left fans and analysts worried. In 2021, Cleary underwent surgery on his right shoulder, and now he is facing an injury to his left shoulder.
Fox League’s Jake Duke reported that Cleary’s latest injury involves his left shoulder, different from the one he previously had operated on. He described Cleary as deeply upset in the locker room, with the severity of the injury still undetermined pending further scans.
Coach Ivan Cleary provided an update post-match, revealing that the injury is a recurrence of an issue Nathan experienced during the pre-season. Despite initially managing the shoulder problem along with his hamstring injuries, it appears to have flared up again. Coach Cleary expressed significant concern, noting that Nathan’s condition was severe enough to warrant his removal from the game. He emphasized the need for scans to better understand the extent of the injury and how to proceed.
Following the game, observers including Fox League’s Greg Alexander speculated that Cleary might have dislocated his shoulder. Alexander noted the potential for ligament damage, recalling Cleary’s previous shoulder issues in 2021 when he missed two months of play. He observed that Cleary’s arm movement was very restricted as he left the field, suggesting a serious injury.
Michael Ennis commented that Cleary did not seem overly distressed as he departed the field, which might indicate some level of positive news despite the injury. Cleary’s current season has been marred by his hamstring issues, and the potential shoulder injury adds another layer of difficulty to his season.
The Panthers were also involved in a controversial incident during their match against the Storm. Just before halftime, with the Storm leading 16-10, the Panthers were given a reprieve. After a kick from the Panthers was ruled a 20/40 in favor of the Storm, the Panthers challenged the decision. Andrew Voss pointed out that the kick did not appear to meet the 40-meter requirement, and the Bunker ultimately overturned the call, awarding a penalty to Penrith.
Cleary converted the penalty, narrowing the deficit to 16-12 at halftime. Despite the initial advantage, the Storm managed to hold on for the win. Storm coach Craig Bellamy was visibly frustrated by the mistake that allowed the Panthers to score additional points, evident from his reaction on the sidelines.
The Panthers’ current mood reflects their concern for Cleary’s condition, as they brace for further developments regarding his injury. The team’s focus now shifts to managing the fallout from this latest setback and preparing for upcoming challenges.
