LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a classic display of sportsmanship, Penrith's Nathan Cleary refuses to blame the Storm's tackling techniques for his shoulder injury ahead of the NRL grand final on Sunday.
Despite the chance to stir up some pre-game drama, Cleary remains cool and collected.
The Penrith star downplays any controversy surrounding his injury, dismissing the idea that it was caused by a questionable move from Melbourne's Josh King.
Cleary acknowledges that physicality is just part of the game, with shoulder injuries being a common occurrence in rugby league.
Having missed a few games towards the end of the regular season, Cleary has made a triumphant return to the field, excelling in the finals series.
As he gears up to face the Storm in the grand final, Cleary knows his shoulder will be put to the test.
Although there were murmurs of discontent within the Panthers camp over the tackle, Cleary remains unfazed and holds no grudges.
He shrugs off the incident as simply a part of the sport, emphasizing that injuries are an unfortunate but inevitable aspect of rugby league.
As the grand final looms, Cleary maintains a pragmatic attitude, focusing on the task at hand rather than dwelling on the past.
With the support of his team and a determination to succeed, Cleary is ready to face whatever challenges come his way on the field.