LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a devastating blow to both Penrith Panthers and New South Wales Blues, Nathan Cleary has been hit with a horror diagnosis after re-injuring his hamstring during a brutal clash with the Bulldogs.
The star halfback is now facing six to eight weeks on the sidelines, leaving fans and teammates reeling in shock.
The news of Cleary's grade two hamstring tear has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community, with many fearing the worst for the talented playmaker.
This setback comes at a crucial time for both the Panthers and the Blues, as they now face a halfback crisis with their key player ruled out for an extended period.
Cleary, who had only just returned from a previous hamstring injury, knew immediately that his night was over as he reached for his hamstring in pain.
The Panthers will have to adopt a conservative approach with their superstar, with no quick fix in sight for this significant loss to their team.
This injury is a bitter pill to swallow for Cleary and his teammates, who will now have to dig deep and find a way to overcome this setback.
With the State of Origin series looming, the Blues will have to rally together and find a solution to fill the void left by Cleary's absence.
In the unpredictable world of rugby league, injuries are part and parcel of the game.
As Cleary faces this challenging period of recovery, his teammates and fans will be hoping for a swift return to form for the resilient halfback.
The road ahead may be tough, but with determination and grit, Cleary and the Panthers will look to bounce back stronger than ever.