The Penrith Panthers are experiencing a mix of emotions as they head into the finals, marked by both the return of their star co-captain Nathan Cleary and the impending departure of key players James Fisher-Harris and Jarome Luai. This duality of celebration and sorrow is palpable within the club, and Scott Sorensen, known for his stoic demeanor, recently provided a rare glimpse into the emotional undercurrent that accompanies this moment.
Sorensen’s response during an interview with 7NEWS chief NRL reporter Jelisa Apps revealed the depth of his feelings. Known for his reserved nature, Sorensen was visibly moved when asked about the challenge of saying goodbye to Fisher-Harris, who requested to return to New Zealand, a request the club honored in August. The question struck a chord with Sorensen, leading him to choke back tears as he reflected on the significance of Fisher-Harris’s departure.
Despite his emotional reaction, Sorensen attempted to refocus on the immediate task at hand—the Panthers’ pursuit of a fourth consecutive premiership. “They’re pumped and they’re excited for the occasion this weekend, and I’m putting all our energy towards that,” Sorensen said, though his sentiments about the special bond within the team were unmistakable.
In contrast, the Panthers are also celebrating Nathan Cleary’s return, which was confirmed following a medical clearance on Wednesday. Cleary, who sustained a shoulder injury against Melbourne in Round 24, has undergone intensive contact training and was recently assessed by NSW Cup players to ensure his readiness. Coach Ivan Cleary confirmed that the plan all along had been to include Nathan in this week’s game. “He’s fit, and this was always the plan to play him this week,” said Coach Cleary. “The stakes have moved up, and we always want to pick our best team and he is ready this week.”
Cleary’s return is a significant boost for the Panthers, who hope a win on Friday night will propel them into the preliminary finals, potentially giving Cleary an additional week of recovery. However, standing in their way are the Sydney Roosters, with Angus Crichton determined to test Cleary’s shoulder thoroughly. Crichton acknowledged the challenge posed by Cleary, noting, “We’ll make sure we welcome him back.”
Crichton, who is accustomed to facing off against opposing playmakers, emphasized that his preparation will be no different than usual. “Every week, you prepare for it. The back-rower is running at the halfback, that’s what happens in every single game,” he said. Crichton’s focus will be on neutralizing Cleary, who is considered one of the premier defensive halves in the league. “It’s always my job to try and nullify the opposition’s best player. And he’s the best player,” Crichton added.
The Panthers are thus navigating a complex emotional landscape as they advance through the finals, balancing the excitement of Cleary’s return with the bittersweet farewell to Fisher-Harris. This blend of personal and professional stakes adds depth to their journey towards a potential fourth consecutive title.
