LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
NRL star Nathan Cleary has left the field in a "devastating blow" just weeks out from the State of Origin series, leaving NSW coach Michael Maguire with yet another headache to contend with.
The Panthers halfback had to be replaced in the shadow of halftime during the match against the Bulldogs, adding to the drama of the game.
Despite the Panthers securing a 16-10 victory at BlueBet Stadium, the win came at a high cost as Cleary left the field at halftime.
He signaled to the trainer that something wasn't right, and although he tried to play through it, he eventually made his way to the tunnel for further assessment.
While Cleary didn't appear to be visibly injured, his departure from the game was a significant loss for the team.
The incident has left NSW fans feeling anxious about his availability for the upcoming State of Origin clashes.
This unexpected turn of events has certainly thrown a spanner in the works for both Cleary and the NSW team, who are hoping for a strong performance in the Origin series.
Only time will tell the extent of Cleary's injury and whether he will be fit to play in the crucial matches ahead.