Cooper Cronk move called out as Nathan Cleary attempts to return for Panthers' finals campaign

Nathan Cleary's potential return for the NRL finals has already started to draw comparisons to that of Cooper Cronk's 2018 grand final feat. Cleary left the game against Melbourne clutching at his shoulder in Penrith's Thursday night defeat.

Penrith fans could not believe Cleary was set to miss more NRL game time having only just returned from a hamstring injury. While Cleary was 'gutted' to be missing a few weeks of NRL action, the halfback was cleared of a serious injury and is expected to make it back for the finals in a few weeks time. This was a huge bonus for the Panthers.

Although questions have been asked of Cleary's fitness with many claiming he could be playing finals footy well below 100 per cent. And his potential comeback has been likened to that of Cronk's in 2018. Cronk produced one for the more remarkable performances in a grand final for the Roosters when he played with a broken scapula.

The halfback played a limited role in the grand final with zero running metres, only 74 metres kicking metres and nine tackles. Although Cronk was used as a general throughout the game as he marched his team around the paddock with aplomb.

And while the severity of Cleary's injury is still unknown, veteran reporter Phil Rothfield claimed the Penrith halfback could emulate the NRL Hall of Fame great. "I keep thinking back to Cooper Cronk and that grand final," Rothfield said on Fox Sports' NRL 360.

He then added Penrith and Cleary "will find a way to do a Cooper Cronk" even if he isn't fully fit. Former Roosters playmaker Braith Anasta also claimed: "Nathan doesn't need to be at 100 per cent for them to win the comp".

Although Gorden Tallis put Cronk's feat into perspective and said Cleary might need to play a number of games with his injury, instead of just a grand final. "Cooper Cronk had to do it for 80 minutes of footy, he will have to do it for four weeks of finals if they lose the first one," Tallis added.

Jarome Laui proves key to Penrith success

While Cleary will he a huge blow for the Panthers, Jarome Luai has proven this year he can fill in at No.7 and lead the team around the park. Cleary has been sidelined for a large chunk of this season due to a hamstring injury and Luai shifted to halfback. And Luai's organisational play and kicking has gone to another level.

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Luai admits his own experience with a shoulder injury before last year's finals series puts him in a unique position to be able to help Cleary through his current predicament. Luai pushed back shoulder surgery until after last season ended so he could help the Panthers win their third straight premiership in 2023, and says he's ready to hold down the fort at Penrith until Cleary returns.

"It's sort of weird how the world works. Timing-wise, last year I was in his shoes," Luai said. "I think I've given him that positive mindset if it is a similar injury he knows he can make it back. I'll hold it down, I'll do a good job until he comes back and then we'll get the ball rolling again." Penrith will either decide to play Brad Schneider at No.6 or Jack Cole until Cleary returns with Daine Laurie ruling out a switch in the halves for the moment.

Johnathan Thurston talks Nathan Cleary shoulder injury

Johnathan Thurston, one of the best halfbacks to ever play the game, also recently weighed-in on Cleary's injury. The Maroons legend said shoulder injuries are a hard injury to hide during a game and if Cleary comes back he will be targeted in the defensive line.

"Shoulders are difficult to play with when they're busted ... you can't be playing with a busted shoulder in that position," Thurston told Channel Nine. "You get targeted. Every side will be sending their back rowers, and their forwards at him to test it. That's just the nature of the beast when you're playing, (and he's) the best player in the comp. When you are carrying that slight injury, if you're back for the prelim or one of those finals games, they will be coming after him."