LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Nathan Cleary, the crafty Panthers halfback, has made a bold statement in his latest development just weeks before Origin selection.
The young gun has tried to calm concerns about his troublesome hamstring, hinting at what's to come upon his return to the field.
Cleary was slated to take on Souths last week, but coach Ivan Cleary made the strategic decision to hold him back to ensure his left hamstring had ample time to heal.
This move was made in light of the Panthers' tight schedule, with a quick turnaround from their away game in North Queensland.
With only one game under his belt since coming back from injury, coach Cleary decided to rest the No.7 to play it safe.
Fans were left hanging, wondering if Cleary's fitness would hold up and if he could maintain a consistent run of games.
Memories of missing Origin matches last year due to a different hamstring issue lingered in the air.
But Cleary, in a bid to reassure everyone, shared with The Sydney Morning Herald that it was simply a precautionary measure and that he'll be back in action soon.
"We didn't want to take any unnecessary risks this early in the season, especially with the tight schedule.
But rest assured, I'll be back on the field.
I trained on Friday and I'm feeling good," Cleary confidently stated.
As he gears up to team up with the formidable Dylan Edwards, Cleary is poised to make a significant impact and shake things up for the Bulldogs in the upcoming clash.
The Panthers faithful can breathe a sigh of relief as their star playmaker sets his sights on the challenges ahead.