Andrew Johns, a renowned figure in the NRL, has raised concerns about the fitness of Penrith Panthers’ halfback Nathan Cleary as he is set to return to the field against the Sydney Roosters on Friday night. Cleary has been sidelined since NRL round 24, when he sustained a shoulder injury in a match against the Melbourne Storm.
The Panthers have maintained a level of secrecy about Cleary’s recovery and fitness. Despite the uncertainty, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has assured that the halfback would be ready for the crucial finals game against the Roosters. Fans were surprised to learn that Cleary would be playing with minimal pain management for his shoulder, given he has had nearly three weeks off.
Johns, however, remains skeptical about the official updates on Cleary’s condition. The NRL legend believes that the Panthers might be downplaying Cleary’s injury status as part of a strategic move leading up to the finals. Johns referred to a previous interaction with Cleary before Penrith’s round 26 match against the Rabbitohs. He noted a discrepancy in Cleary’s assessment of his shoulder’s condition; on camera, Cleary rated his injury recovery as a seven out of ten, but off-camera, he had rated it as a six. Johns speculated that this discrepancy suggests Cleary’s condition might be closer to a five, indicating he may not be fully fit.
Despite potential doubts about Cleary’s fitness, many believe his presence on the field will provide a significant advantage to the Panthers against the Roosters. Roosters forward Angus Crichton has hinted at targeting Cleary during the match, suggesting that he will not alter his approach and will aim to test Cleary’s shoulder by creating ruck speed and challenging him directly. Crichton acknowledged Cleary’s skills and suggested that the halfback wouldn’t be playing if he weren’t fit, anticipating that Cleary would be at his defensive best given his reputation as one of the premier players in the competition.
In response to the uncertainty surrounding Cleary’s fitness, Brad Fittler, a Roosters great, has called for Panthers backrower Liam Martin to step up. Fittler believes that if Martin performs exceptionally well, it could be the key to securing a victory and earning a week off to advance to the NRL preliminary final. Fittler’s comments underscore the importance of Martin’s role in the Panthers’ success, especially given the question marks over Cleary’s condition.
Coach Ivan Cleary has been optimistic about his son’s return, emphasizing that it was always the plan to have Nathan Cleary back for this game. On Wednesday, Coach Cleary spoke about how the team had anticipated Cleary’s return and how his rehabilitation had progressed well. He expressed confidence in Cleary’s readiness and highlighted the role he will play in directing the team and instilling confidence. The Panthers’ coach also mentioned that because Cleary had been inactive, there was no significant worry about him, and his comeback as a key playmaker and captain would be crucial for the team’s performance.
The outcome of Friday night’s game will be pivotal, as the winner will secure a valuable week off and a place in the NRL preliminary final. This adds extra weight to Cleary’s return and the ongoing discussion about his fitness and the strategic implications of his presence on the field.
