LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Nathan Cleary, the talented halfback for the Penrith Panthers, has left rugby league fans in awe after showcasing the extent of his gruesome finger injury that nearly prevented him from playing in the NRL preliminary grand final.
Just days before the highly anticipated match against the Storm, Cleary left training early due to the injury sustained during a training session.
Concerns grew as he was rushed to the hospital for scans, but fortunately, no serious damage was found.
Despite the injury scare, Cleary displayed incredible determination and resilience as he took to the field in the Panthers' dominant 38-4 victory over the Storm.
However, it was in the NRL grand final that Cleary truly solidified his place in history.
In the final 20 minutes of the game, he delivered a masterclass performance that helped lead his team to their third consecutive premiership title.
Cleary's exceptional performance in the grand final drew widespread praise and even drew comparisons to some of the game's greatest legends.
However, it was a shocking image of his injured finger that truly highlighted the extent of his bravery and commitment.
In a photo taken by Cleary himself, his finger could be seen contorted in an uncomfortable and unnatural position, demonstrating the severity of the training mishap.
Despite the gruesome appearance of his finger injury, Cleary showed no signs of discomfort or hindered performance in the two subsequent games.
This further emphasizes his status as a three-time premiership-winning champion and exemplifies his incredible resilience and mental fortitude.