Melbourne Storm hit back amid ugly claims surrounding Nathan Cleary's shoulder injury

The Melbourne Storm and Josh King have denied any suggestion Nathan Cleary hurt his shoulder in round 24 due to a wrestling-style tackle as the build-up to the NRL grand final continues. Cleary missed three games after exiting the field against the Storm in round 24 clutching at his shoulder.

In the final few moments, Storm prop King tackled Cleary as the halfback made a run on the right edge. Cleary emerged from the tackle in serious pain and missed the next three weeks due to injury as the Panthers prepared for their NRL finals campaign. There were initial fears Cleary could miss the remainder of the season, but the injury was not deemed to be that serious.

Cleary returned for NRL finals footy, but clutched at his shoulder again last week in the victory over the Sharks. While Cleary was instrumental in the 26-6 win, he finished the game on the bench as a precaution.

Plenty has been said over the injury across the last month with Storm legend Billy Slater questioning of Cleary was in more pain than he was giving off. And ahead of the final, claims have emerged Cleary was injured in a tackle using a wrestling-technique.

There has been criticism of the Storm's tackling techniques for years, which have been aimed at the team for slowing the ruck down with so-called wrestling tactics. And the Panthers were reportedly privately unhappy with King for the tackle as he reached over Cleary's shoulder, which could have caused the injury.

However, King has moved to deny any suggestion he tried to injury Cleary ahead of the finals series. In an awkward moment at the NRL grand final fan day, King said in front of Cleary there was no malice in the tackle. "I certainly wasn't trying to do any wrestling moves or anything like that, that people have come out and said," King said in Sydney.

"I would assume that that sort of tackle would happen multiple times a game. I don't think there was anything in it and I certainly don't have any grievances against Nathan. It is what it is."

The question was also put to Cleary on Thursday and the premier halfback was quick to quell any drama with King regarding the tackle. "It was one of those unlucky positions," Cleary added.

"It's just an injury. It was unfortunate. A lot of things have to happen and it's a contact sport so I don't even think about it like that." Cleary has resumed full-contact training ahead of the grand final, a huge boost for the Panthers in their quest for a historic fourth straight premiership.

Josh King to run at Nathan Cleary in grand final

There has been plenty of talk about the Storm sending traffic Cleary's way during the final to see how his shoulder holds up during the showdown. Earlier in the week, Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes dismissed talks the Storm will alter their tactics to focus on the his number.

And King doubled down on the suggestion, but claimed it was the job of the forwards to run at the smaller players on the field. "I think both sides' forwards have the job to get the teams going forward," he said.

RELATED:

• Sailor's 'concerning' revelation as Broncos consider massive call for Langer

• Craig Bellamy makes big call on becoming next NSW Origin coach

• Startling revelation about Ivan Cleary's wife ahead of NRL grand final

"I don't think there are any secrets about that." Earlier this week, Hughes claimed the Storm would go out and focus on their own game plan against the Panthers.

"I think if we focus too much on him and his injury, then I think that's not going to go well for us," Hughes said. "A few of the boys played in the '18 grand final and they bring up that they probably focused on Cooper too much, more than they needed to, and it probably came back to bite them. We've fully learned from that as a club, and we probably won't be looking at that too much and be more focused on what we could do as a team to be better."

Coach undecided on Nelson Asofa-Solomona replacement

The Storm faced one setback this week with hulking prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona ruled out of the grand final due to suspension. There has been plenty of talk over who will replace the big man in the forward pack come kick-off at Accor Stadium.

And coach Craig Bellamy admitted he hasn't made up his mind with Joe Chan a potential late call-up. "We probably still haven't made that decision properly yet," he said.

"We need to see how we go at training today and whatever. Both those guys have played really well in the NSW Cup, I think Laz actually plays Queensland Cup. They've both played really well but with Nelson gone, we have to put someone in there. They're the next two in line."