LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a shocking twist of fate, Penrith Panthers maestro Nathan Cleary has been dealt a cruel blow as the team reveals a concerning new detail about his shoulder injury.
The halfback, known for his deft footwork and expert ball skills, is now facing the possibility of missing the remainder of the NRL season.
Nathan's father and Panthers head coach, Ivan Cleary, has shed light on the situation, disclosing that the talented halfback actually re-injured his shoulder during their recent game against the Melbourne Storm.
This setback marks a recurrence of an issue Nathan originally picked up during the pre-season, adding a layer of complexity to his recovery.
The incident, which occurred during a fierce tackle with Josh King, has left Nathan devastated as he grapples with the reality of yet another injury.
Watching him in the dressing rooms, one could see the anguish on his face as he sat with heavy ice packs weighing down his left shoulder.
This latest blow comes on the heels of Nathan's previous shoulder injury in 2021, a setback that saw him sidelined before courageously returning to help secure a grand final victory for the Panthers.
Following surgery in the off-season to rectify the damage, it appears history may be repeating itself in the harsh world of professional Rugby League.
Coach Ivan Cleary has expressed his deep concern for his son's well-being, revealing that the injury had been nagging at Nathan since the pre-season.
As the team awaits the results of the upcoming scans, there is a sense of uncertainty hanging over the Panthers camp, with the specter of Nathan's absence looming large on the horizon.