Recent discussions surrounding Nathan Cleary, the star halfback for the Penrith Panthers, have revealed concerns regarding a foot injury described as a 'stress-related bone issue.'
During an interview on SEN radio, coach Ivan Cleary provided additional context about his son's condition, indicating a positive outlook for Nathan's participation in the upcoming preliminary final at home.
Ivan expressed relief at having a week off after their victory over the Roosters, stating, "Getting the week off is a God send." He highlighted the benefits of rest, especially after a grueling stretch of nine consecutive matches.
Regarding Nathan's injury, Ivan acknowledged that it stems from an intensive workload, noting, "Nat's pretty sore... the injury is definitely the result of over-use." He emphasized the need for Nathan to adapt his pre-match routines to manage his physical condition effectively.
Moreover, Ivan mentioned that Nathan has learned to balance physical kicking practice with mental preparation, stating, "he's going to have to pull back" on his physical exertion. This approach might be crucial for Nathan as the Panthers pursue their sixth Grand Final appearance in seven years, set to face either the Warriors or Knights next weekend.