Nathan Cleary set to be targeted by Angus Crichton as State of Origin teammate turns enemy

Nathan Cleary will be welcomed back with open arms from Panthers supporters for the preliminary final clash on Friday, but the halfback could find himself at the centre of a brutal Roosters tactic. Cleary has not played for the Panthers since he walked off the field clutching at his shoulder in his team's loss to the Storm in NRL round 24.

There are question marks remaining over Cleary's fitness with the second-placed Panthers set to face the third-placed Roosters in the preliminary final. Cleary was already ruled out for a large portion of the series, missing State of Origin, after injuring his hamstring.

Cleary will most likely return for the first NRL finals clash, joining halves partner Jarome Luai, as the Panthers seek their fourth straight premiership. However, there are doubts remaining over his fitness and ability to make tackles.

Regardless, Luai is confident Cleary won't be worried about his fitness heading into the biggest game of the Panthers' season so far. Luai played in the NRL grand final last year, despite a shoulder injury hampering his preparation.

And Luai said his own shoulder injury was '10 times worse' and was sure Cleary would have no issues. “He’s on the right track, and if there’s any guy in the game that’s going to get back and be in good form, I think it’s him. We’re all backing him in.

"Even if he’s not there, we’re all really zoned in on what we need to do. He’s ticking all the right boxes. You know what he’s like – he’ll do whatever he can to make sure he’s fit and ready, and he hasn’t missed a beat so I’m backing him in.” While Cleary is set to be named, the Panthers know he will be at the centre of some big runners having only just returned from a shoulder injury.

Angus Crichton to target Nathan Cleary's shoulder

In Cleary's comeback game from a hamstring injury, the halfback was the target of a few outside backs having been left behind on a number of occasions. And the Panthers can also expect the Roosters to send some traffic his way with expectations in-form second-rower Angus Crichton will charge at the halfback.

Crichton targeted a fit Daly Cherry-Evans in the State of Origin decider and Panthers fans could expect a similar tactic. Although Liam Martin has also backed Cleary to deal with the rampaging backrower. "If he is back it wouldn't surprise me if big Gus is flying into him," Martin said.

"I'll be there to help (but) he doesn't need it, he reckons he's my bodyguard. He'll be fine. 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."

RELATED:

• Tedesco's message to Walsh and Edwards amid Kangaroos fullback debate

• NRL boss makes call on sanctioning Wayne Bennett over comments

• Problem with Reece Walsh's $6m contract as Broncos insider speaks out

Luai was confident Cleary's mere presence will help change the game against the Roosters as the Panthers seek a home final in the third week of finals. "He brings this aura and he has this type of feeling that if the game goes down to the wire, we're a big chance of winning because he's there," Luai said.

"If we're behind on the scoreboard on any situation, we're always going to be in the game (because of him). It's a pretty cool superpower to have. That's what he brings to this team – the belief."