LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a recent twist of fate, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has provided an update on his son, superstar halfback Nathan Cleary, and his journey back to the field for Penrith's NRL season opener in Las Vegas.
Cleary confirmed that the four-time premiership-winning No.7, along with three other Panthers stars, underwent shoulder surgery in the off-season, with their recoveries hanging in the balance.
But fear not, rugby league enthusiasts, as Cleary passed a crucial test by emerging unscathed from an intra-squad scrimmage over the weekend.
Coach Cleary expressed optimism about Nathan and his fellow recovering players being ready for the round one showdown against Cronulla, but threw in a cautionary tale about the fragility of their current status.
"It's been touch and go, a game of inches really.
If everything goes according to plan, they'll be out there on the field," Cleary shared on SEN radio.
"But one false move could see their round one dreams dashed.
Right now, things are looking promising, but we're not in the clear just yet."
As the Panthers gear up to face Manly in the Pre Season Challenge, leading up to their clash with the Sharks in Vegas, the last thing they need is a setback to key players.
With a quest for a fifth consecutive NRL premiership on the horizon, every player's health is of utmost importance.
Nathan Cleary, who was limited to 13 games last season due to recurring hamstring issues, has a history of battling injuries.
The shoulder surgery now adds to his list of setbacks, with past ailments preventing him from representing the Blues in State of Origin and the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championship.
In true rugby league fashion, the Panthers are set for a showdown filled with suspense and drama as they navigate through the trials and tribulations of a new season.
With Vegas on the horizon, Cleary and his comrades will need to dig deep and show their true fighting spirit to conquer the challenges that lie ahead.