Nathan Cleary’s NSW State of Origin dream has hit a major hurdle after he was ruled out for 10 weeks with a knee injury.
Penrith’s NRL season suffered a massive blow on Saturday when scans revealed their star halfback had suffered a grade three medial ligament tear.
Cleary was heavily tipped to break into Brad Fittler’s Blues team this year but now appears unlikely to play against before the May 6 Origin opener in Melbourne after going down in Friday’s 20-18 loss to Canterbury.
The Panthers’ star playmaker did not return to field after halftime after copping the injury early in the thrilling defeat to the Dogs at ANZ Stadium.
It’s a cruel blow for the Panthers, who have had a horror week on the injury front with Peter Wallace now shaping as a makeshift halfback option.
The Panthers were left reeling this week after losing props Sam McKendry and Tim Browne to long-term injuries, while winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is out for six weeks.
Cleary’s injury leaves coach Anthony Griffin short on options on who to partner James Maloney in the halves.
Tyrone May, who guided the Panthers to the second week of the finals last year, is not expected back from an ACL injury until round five.
Former NSW halfback Wallace shapes as a left-field option despite having found a new lease on life at hooker during the past two seasons.
He slotted into the halves, with utility Tyrone Peachey filling in at dummy-half, in the second half against the Bulldogs and Griffin suggested he could move there during Cleary’s absence.
“Pete did a reasonable job there, being thrown in at five-eighth,” Griffin said.
“Jimmy did a lot of the first-receiver stuff and was almost good enough to get us home.
“We’ll have a look at that, cool down and take stock.”
Wascally Wabbit
Guest
I think the first Origin is on June 6 not May 6 meaning he should be due back before Origin 1.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Yeah a mate at work is a Pennies fan and has a big wrap on this kid, give him a shot. Wallace too slow for halfback. Real shame for Cleary, the injury curse has struck the Panthers again.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Young gun Jarome Luai is my pick to replace Cleary. Given the extended length of layoff, Penrith need to opt for someone who can make an impact rather than picking someone to simply fill in ie. Wallace or Peachey. Luai played in the WC for Samoa and had 3 try-assists to his name in today's NSW Cup game. He's my choice, electric footwork and a smart short kicking game.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Well said RM...(except for the Queensland bit !) This is a tragedy for Cleary and Penrith...at this stage NSW not so much
RM
Guest
What a genuinely bizarre lede for this article. I love Origin as much as the next Queenslander...but surely the fact the Panthers will be without their gun halfback - the man who dragged them back into the contest two weeks in a row to win games they had no right to - for 10 weeks is enough of a story without having to open with Origin. Especially considering Cleary has never played Origin and his possible involvement in this year's series was only pure speculation at this point. Anyway, terrible news for Cleary, the Panthers and the game. The kid's a star and the game will be poorer for his absence over the next 10 weeks.
Malo
Guest
Tragic
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Sad news for Cleary. You never want to see a young star on the rise, for any team, miss a significant chunk of the season 7 remains a real weakness for NSW. Even if all are fit.