Nathan Cleary, the captain of the Penrith Panthers, expressed strong admiration for teammates Mitch Kenny and Isaah Yeo after their successful returns from injuries, just before the NRL finals.
During his appearance on *100% Footy* on Channel Nine, Cleary labeled their comebacks as 'seamless' and emphasized the significant morale boost they provide as the club aims for a fifth NRL Premiership title within six years.
Cleary noted Yeo's impressive 55-minute performance after recovering from a serious pectoral injury sustained in Round 23 against the New Zealand Warriors. Rather than opting for surgery, Yeo dedicated himself to an intensive rehabilitation program.
"I was like 'what are you doing? You know, you can just wait,'" Cleary recalled upon learning Yeo was returning earlier than expected in Round 27.
Yeo's determination impressed Cleary, who observed him participating in training just two weeks after the injury. Cleary remarked, "He was so determined and he's obviously worked hard to get back… watching him yesterday, you would never think he was even injured."
Adding to the excitement for Panthers supporters, Cleary hinted there could be an announcement regarding his contract status before November 1, when he would become a free agent. "There is a chance, yeah," he said with a grin. "We'll see what happens."
This Sunday afternoon, Cleary, Yeo, and the Panthers will face the Sydney Roosters at CommBank Stadium, with a preliminary finals berth on the line. The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:05 PM.