Key detail about Nathan Cleary emerges as Panthers make huge call on halfback's fitness

The Penrith Panthers coach made a huge reveal about the returning halfback.

Sports Reporter

Wed, 11 Sept 2024, 8:34 am·4-min read

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has claimed halfback and son Nathan Cleary will return for the NRL finals in a strong state having claimed he won't need needles for pain management against the Roosters. Cleary has not played footy since NRL round 24 having left the field clutching at his shoulder against the Storm.

The Panthers missed Cleary in a shock loss to the Raiders, but managed to bounce and finish in second on the ladder. Cleary's fitness and recovery has been kept quiet for some time, but he was expected to be named this week.

Nathan Cleary (pictured) is set to play against the Roosters without needles for pain management having recovered well from his shoulder injury. (Getty Images)

Halves partner Jarome Luai backed the No.7's return against the Roosters, while teammate Liam Martin suggested Cleary could see traffic from rival back-rower Angus Crichton on Friday night. Despite concern over his fitness and the strength of his shoulder, the Penrith coach has reassured Panthers fans the mercurial halfback doesn't even need pain management heading into the clash.

“This was always the plan to play him this week,” coach Cleary said on Wednesday afternoon. “The stakes have moved up and we always want to pick our best team. He’s ready this week.

“His rehab has gone really well and he’s feeling really confident, so everything has gone to plan. Because he hasn’t been playing, we haven’t really been worrying about him.

“With him coming back in and being our chief playmaker and one of our captains, he’ll move the team around and give everyone a bit of direction and confidence.” The winner of Friday night's clash will earn a week off.

Nathan Cleary reacting during a game. — Nathan Cleary (pictured) is set to return for the Panther with his rehab going to plan.

Penrith will be hoping to give Cleary even more rest heading into the preliminary final. The Panthers will be looking to make it 10 in a row against the Roosters, who are missing Sam Walker after he suffered an ACL injury in round 26.

“Every game is different, every season is different and there are different circumstances,” Cleary said of the clash against the Roosters. “For us, it’s more that we trust in our system and how we play. If we can do that then we feel like we can beat anyone.”

Angus Crichton to target Nathan Cleary in defence

Earlier this week, teammate Martin suggested Cleary wouldn't need help in defence on Friday having backed the tough playmaker to handle the traffic sent his way. "I'll be there to help (but) he doesn't need it, he reckons he's my bodyguard. He'll be fin," Martin said.

"I'd like to call him soft but no, he's as tough as they come. That grand final just demonstrates that he has that will power to win and it's pretty inspiring for the rest of us." And Blues teammate, turn rival on Friday, Crichton admitted it was his role to pressure the halfback and it wouldn't change when he faces Penrith.

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“I won’t be changing my game at all,” Crichton said of his State of Origin teammate. “It’s always my job to run at halfbacks and try to create a bit of ruck speed.

“Nathan is no slouch and he’s not going to be playing if he’s not fit. I’m expecting Nathan to be at his normal defensive best because he’s one of the best halves in the game and one of the best players in the comp. You’ve got to be aware of what’s going on in the game, but you don’t want to completely ruin your game plan and everything you’ve worked on for the whole year on the back of one player maybe being injured.”