The NRL grand final is heating up, and tensions are running high between the Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers. The controversy surrounding Nathan Cleary’s shoulder injury has taken center stage, with some calling for the Storm to target him during the game.
Cooper Cronk, a Melbourne Storm legend, suggested that the team should test Cleary’s shoulder from the kick-off, making a physical statement by picking him up, dragging him out, and throwing him around ¹. This tactic is aimed at exploiting Cleary’s injury and potentially forcing him out of the game. However, Storm captain Harry Grant denied that the team will target Cleary, stating that they won’t focus on one player and will treat him like any other opponent ¹.
Cleary, on the other hand, has maintained that his shoulder is good to go, and he’s ready to face the minor premiers in the grand final ². He even laughed off any issues with the shoulder, saying it’s “just a bit of carry-on” ². The Panthers star halfback has a history of playing through pain, having taken his team to victory in 2023 despite a reported MCL injury to his knee ¹.
The battle between the Storm and Panthers halves will be crucial to the contest. Cleary and his partner Jarome Luai will face off against Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster. Luai revealed that he’s laser-focused on doing his best for his teammates before leaving the club ².
*Key Factors to Watch:*
– _Cleary’s Shoulder_: Will the Storm target his injury, and can he withstand the pressure?
– _Halves Battle_: Cleary and Luai vs. Hughes and Munster – who will come out on top?
– _Team Strategy_: Will the Storm follow Cronk’s advice and make a physical statement, or will they focus on their own game plan?
The stage is set for an intense showdown between the Storm and Panthers. Will Cleary’s shoulder hold up, or will the Storm’s tactics pay off? One thing’s for sure – this grand final will be one for the books.
