LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
NSW's worst nightmare has been confirmed, as the Panthers have delivered an update on star player Nathan Cleary that will have State of Origin coach Michael Maguire feeling like he's hit a run of bad luck.
According to reports from news.com.au, Cleary will be sidelined for the entire 2024 State of Origin series after scans revealed a Grade 2 hamstring strain sustained during the Panthers' victory over the Bulldogs on Friday night.
In a cruel twist of fate, Cleary signaled to a team trainer just before half time that something was amiss, and the sight of him shaking his head as he left the field sent shockwaves through the rugby league community.
Despite his efforts to play through the pain, he made a beeline for the tunnel, signaling the seriousness of the injury.
With Game 1 of State of Origin looming large on the horizon, there were concerns that the dynamic halfback would be forced to sit out the series opener.
Maguire must now face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement to fill Cleary's shoes and steer the NSW team through the treacherous waters of State of Origin without their star playmaker.