LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a twist of fate that has the Rugby League world buzzing, the Storm legend Billy Slater has thrown some shade at Nathan Cleary's post-game comments as details of a grand final injury start to emerge.
Slater, known for his on-field prowess and legendary status in the NRL, has raised eyebrows at Cleary's nonchalant attitude towards his shoulder injury.
The Panthers' medical team is reportedly considering using painkilling injections for the first time in the finals series to aid the halfback in the upcoming showdown.
Cleary, who recently sent shockwaves through the Panthers camp by exiting the field with a few minutes left in their clash against the Sharks, seemed unfazed by the ordeal.
Despite clutching his troublesome shoulder, which had already caused him to miss games earlier in the season after facing off against the Storm, Cleary brushed off any concerns with a casual rotation of his arm.
Fox Sports commentator Dane Ginnane chimed in, highlighting the significance of Cleary's apparent discomfort, stating, "The first time we have seen that tonight.
For the first time in this finals series Nathan Cleary is troubled by that shoulder injury."
But Cleary remained defiant, waving off any doubts about his fitness with a classic display of sportsmanship.
"It's all good, it was just a bit of a knock," he reassured fans.
"I wasn't at 100 per cent, but I was confident enough to go back out on the field and play.
I wasn't even thinking about it.
After that little incident, I played the next two sets and was sweet."
As the tension mounts ahead of the grand final, Slater's skepticism adds an extra layer of drama to the already highly anticipated matchup.
Will Cleary's shoulder hold up under the pressure, or will the Storm find a way to exploit this potential Achilles' heel? Only time will tell in this thrilling chapter of Rugby League history.