Nathan Cleary's teammate in telling injury revelation as Panthers face huge call on halves
The Panthers halfback injured himself in worrying signs for the Panthers ahead of finals footy.
Daine Laurie has already claimed Nathan Cleary has started his rehab and is seeking a swift return for finals footy after the halfback injured his shoulder on Thursday night. Cleary left the NRL world stunned when he left the field against the Storm clutching at this shoulder.
Cleary has already been sidelined for a large chunk of this season due to a hamstring injury and fears emerged he could miss finals footy with his latest shoulder setback. The good news is Cleary injured the other shoulder to the one he damaged in 2021, when he had a stint on the sidelines before playing through the pain to win the grand final.
He eventually had to undergo surgery in the off-season, and it's looking like a similar scenario in 2024. However, Cleary is expected to return for the finals with the Panthers looking to make it four-straight titles in a row.
While there is no exact timeline given for Cleary's injury his absence will force a reshuffle of the backline. And while there was speculation Laurie could move into the five-eighth role, with Jarome Luai moving to halfback in Cleary's absence, the flyer admitted he believes he will stay on the wing this weekend against Canberra.
“I don’t know too much. Nath did something to his shoulder which is unfortunate, but I’m playing on the wing this weekend. I’m ready to do my job and what’s best for the team,” Laurie said when asked on Monday about where he will play. “That’s up to coach (whether I play five-eighth). That’s not up to me, I’ll play wherever the coach wants me to, but that’s on the wing this week.
“I don’t mind, I’ll play anywhere. This team has been the best team for the last four years. Wherever I can slot into the side, I’m happy to do it.” Laurie has admitted Cleary is determined to return for Penrith having already started rehab ahead of a push for his fourth premiership.
“After the game, he (Cleary) was pretty gutted, but he’s already in there ripping in and has started his rehab. He’s in good spirits and can’t wait to get back,” Laurie said. “He’s the man. I reckon he’s one of the best players I’ve ever seen out of my whole lifetime.
“I haven’t really spoken to him about it. It’s unfortunate that he’s injured because he’s a big asset for this team and has been for however long he’s been playing here. (We’ve just got to embrace) that next man up mentality. Whoever is in that position is going to do a good job.”
Jack Cole or Brad Schneider to step up
Lauie's claim he will stay on the wing will mean either Jack Cole or Brad Schneider come into the halves on Saturday. And Laurie said both players have already performed when called upon this year.
“They’re young and keen to have a game,” he said. “Getting stuck behind two deadly players in Romey (Jarome Luai) and Clez (Cleary), they’ll have the next-man-up mentality and will try to do their best for the team. We do opposed sessions throughout the week so they get plenty of reps.”
Jarome Luai praises Nathan Cleary after injury
The Storm defeated the Panthers 24-22 at BlueBet Stadium to all but seal the minor premiership. While a small setback for the Panthers, Luai admitted he was confident Cleary can return and the duo can look to cement their place in history with a fourth premiership. "We didn't get the start right and a few last plays, we just stopped moving and missed the moment," he said. "But (there's) a lot of lessons out of this game tonight and I think the timing is perfect for us to learn these heading into the finals."
