LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary is optimistic about his son Nathan's availability for Thursday's match against Canterbury, as he recovers from a groin injury.
The Panthers and Bulldogs will kick off Beanies for Brain Cancer Round at CommBank Stadium, where Cleary has been named as halfback for the game expected to draw a large crowd.
Nathan sustained the groin injury just before last Wednesday's State of Origin, and although he participated in the match for the Blues in Perth, he was limited and unable to take goal kicks.
Ivan had initially decided to rest the five players who participated in the Origin for the Panthers' Round 16 game against the Warriors in Auckland, sending Nathan back to Sydney for rehabilitation.
Despite this, the Panthers secured a victory in that match, allowing them to move into the top eight and set the stage for the upcoming clash with the competition leaders, Canterbury.
Alongside Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, and Liam Martin are also expected to return, bolstering the team for the important encounter.