Penrith will pursue the path of rehabilitation rather than season-ending surgery for star halfback Nathan Cleary as he attempts to beat a shoulder injury.
Cleary was injured in NSW’s series-defining State of Origin win over Queensland on Sunday, putting the remainder of his season in doubt.
But Penrith believe they will be able to manage the injury without surgery and instead rest him for four weeks, avoiding what could have been a catastrophic blow to their title hopes.
“Having now received specialist medical advice, the club believes a period of rehabilitation is the best course of action at this point in time,” Penrith said in a statement.
The injury means Cleary will definitely miss Origin III, with Mitch Moses, Adam Reynolds and Jack Wighton the early frontrunners to replace him.
The Panthers were already weighing up resting Cleary for Friday night against Parramatta anyway.
They have the bye in round 17 and there is every chance he would have missed the following week’s game against the Warriors after Origin III if not for the injury.
The club does have until the end of July to sign a replacement player for Cleary, and they would be able to claim $350,000 in salary cap dispensation if he does not return given the injury was suffered in Origin.
Meanwhile fullback Dylan Edwards’ foot injury is not considered serious enough to rule him out long-term.
The Panthers have decided to rest him against the Eels and give him three weeks off through byes after battling through the majority of the season with the injury.
Onya!
Guest
I agree... I don’t like all the moving around with the backline either. Leave Burton out in the centres, where he’s been playing well. He can still create chances at centre. Bring in a half like Hands. He’s a good player. Staines for fullback , as he is a fullback anyway. Just a Naden on the wing or someone else. That’s far less reshuffling of the backline & not having May in the centres is a good thing. Rather leave him on the bench .Tago, Jenkins & others are actual centres & better than May at centre in any case.
Caractacus
Guest
What a wuss. Geraint Thomas dislocated his shoulder the other day in the Tour de France, had it popped back in and finished the stage…..seriously though will his first game back be against the Storm in round 20….thanks Dad. I’m glad he looks like playing a further part in what up until now has been an extraordinary season for him and the Panthers.
Larry1950
Guest
Interesting conflict for dad, risk his kids health so the club has a better shot at the premiership. Had that injury as a 20 year old, struggle to lift anything above shoulder height now (50 years later).
Joey
Guest
Smith and Thurston both had gammy shoulders for years did they not ? You’d be more worried about Walker who is eyeing his second major shoulder surgery before he hits 19.
Ben Lewis
Roar Pro
That enormous sigh of relief you just heard probably came from Daly Cherry-Evans… surgery for Cleary in the off season likely means that DCE will keep his no. 7 jersey for Australia in the World Cup at the end of the year; although I don’t think he’s anywhere near being one of the top two halves in the game right now. All the best to Cleary; it would have been devastating to him and to Penrith’s chances if they lost him for the entire season. Matt Burton should cover for him well enough for the next four weeks or so to ensure they stay in the top two come finals time.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I have pped both many times. You can stabalize them to a degree but they are far morevlikely to pop full if you go that route. The big thing is having the confidence to not subconsciously protect it by not puting the shoulder in a dislocating position. I always struggled with that the most. Cleary will probably not have an issue
kk
Roar Pro
Adam, Many a sporting career has been cut short at the shoulder.
Paul
Roar Guru
I think Burton with Luai to spread the leadership load will make a huge difference. Your boys also have this game then the bye, so can go flat out, knowing you've got time to rest up. Then the Warriors & Broncos before Cleary's back, so plenty of chances for Burton to show off.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
When he resumes playing, opposition teams will put him through regular fitness tests. Legally & within the rules of course.
Adam
Roar Guru
Shoulders can be shockers to get right
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
I hope Cleary recovers, as it would be an unfair and cruel blow for him to miss out on the rest of this year.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! It is still a big risk they are taking with such an injury, but I guess if it fails with another dislocation before the year is out, he will have tried his best towards their premiership ambitions. Week 5 from now in Melbourne against the Storm will be the toughest test of that shoulder, should he accept the mission !
Cam
Roar Rookie
I'm no physio so can't quote the science involved, but I have subluxed and dislocated both shoulders several times. I do know it is possible to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder to act as stabilisers and keep playing. But without the surgery, it is dead easy to sublux again and you are also more likely to get a full dislocation without the surgery. A team-mate of mine who had suffered a couple of sublux injuries to the same shoulder, was leaning with his arm against a wall, (hand above his head, palm against the wall). He sneezed and the shoulder just popped straight out. Cleary in 4 weeks, won't be the same Cleary we saw this season. The Panthers will be walking a tightrope with him for the rest of the season, which will include reduced training sessions. Having said that though, Cleary at 70% is still better than most halves in the comp.
egbert
Guest
Ha, yeah maybe understated it there. But Burton was pretty unconvincing in the halves in the games without Origin players and he needs to step up in the next few weeks.
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
I think the 350 is if hes out for the season :thumbup:
mushi
Roar Guru
I think it said if he doesn't return.
Paul
Roar Guru
If Cleary was playing against the Eels, your boys would be a half-chance to put 45 or 50 on them. As it is they might have to settle for 35 or 40.
egbert
Guest
With Luai and especially Yeo still there, I don't think Cleary's absence will disrupt our top four or even top two place this year, even if it means no minor premiership. It's a shame though he will probably miss the game against the Storm. I like that Staines rather than Crichton has been named fullback for this Friday, and we are a half-chance against Parra I think. As for Origin, clearly should be Reynolds. A steady hand with an exemplary kicking game rather than a flamboyant player -- there's plenty of flair elsewhere in the NSW team.
kk
Roar Pro
Strewth, Nat. Does Munster have to do everything?
Joe
Roar Rookie
That's pretty good news for the Panthers and NRL fans as well. If the 4 weeks is accurate that should have him back for the Storm game which is the same game Paps is also aiming for. Hopefully they both can make it for that game which should be a blockbuster!