Nathan Cleary's participation in the upcoming preliminary final is a focal point for the Penrith Panthers following a concerning injury revelation. Initial scans have indicated bone damage in his right foot, casting doubt on his availability after he experienced discomfort in the qualifying-final match.
The specifics of this "stress-related injury" remain vague, but head coach Ivan Cleary expressed optimism about his son's chances of playing against the Warriors or Newcastle. "One thing he has learned over the years is I know he prioritises actual kicking time," Ivan stated. He emphasized that Nathan would be relying heavily on mental rehearsal to prepare during this critical period.
Historically, Nathan has effectively utilized mental visualization for preparation, notably during goal-kicking training for State of Origin II in 2025 despite suffering a groin injury shortly before the match.
Nathan's resilience is well-documented, having managed shoulder injuries during Penrith's 2021 and 2024 premiership runs. Additionally, key players like Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards have successfully played through injuries in past finals. Ivan noted the difficulty of treating stress injuries in the foot, advising caution due to potential long-term implications.
Even with Nathan's health status, the coach faces decisions regarding the No.6 jersey, as Jack Cogger returns from suspension. Jack Cole has performed consistently in that position, while Ivan hinted at potential lineup changes, acknowledging the ongoing quest for a permanent replacement since Jarome Luai's departure.