LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Melbourne Storm legend Cooper Cronk has unveiled a bold plan to rattle Nathan Cleary's cage and test the mettle of his shoulder in Sunday's NRL Grand Final clash.
The Panthers, on the hunt for an unprecedented fourth consecutive premiership, will be leaning heavily on Cleary, who nearly single-handedly secured the 2023 title.
But with doubts swirling over his shoulder injury sustained against the Storm in round 24, the champion halfback's fitness is a major talking point leading into the game.
Cronk, known for his strategic brilliance on the field, has urged his former team to go after the kingpin Cleary right from the kick-off, aiming to exploit any weakness in his injured shoulder.
With speculation that Cleary's shoulder is "hanging by a thread," there is a lingering air of uncertainty surrounding his ability to perform at his peak.
Having battled through a shoulder injury that has plagued him since the previous pre-season, Cleary's resilience will be put to the test as he faces off against a determined Storm side.
Will he rise to the occasion and lead his team to yet another victory, or will the Storm's relentless pressure prove too much to handle? All will be revealed in what promises to be a high-octane showdown on the grand stage of the NRL Grand Final.