LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Penrith Panthers have once again clawed their way into the NRL grand final for the fifth consecutive year, setting the stage for a showdown with the Melbourne Storm with a fourth premiership up for grabs next weekend.
Despite facing a gritty Cronulla Sharks side at Homebush on Saturday, the three-time defending champions showed signs of vulnerability, with errors and fatigue creeping into their game.
As the Panthers appeared a bit rough around the edges, the main cause for concern was the potential re-injury of star player Nathan Cleary's shoulder towards the end of the match.
Cleary, who had only recently returned from a shoulder injury in the first week of the finals, was forced off the field just minutes before the final whistle, sparking worries about his fitness moving forward.
It's likely that Cleary will require surgery at the end of the season to address the recurring issue.
With Cleary's health status hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on his recovery leading up to the grand final showdown against the Melbourne Storm, in a rematch of the 2020 and 2021 deciders.
The Panthers will need to dig deep and rally together, drawing on their experience and resilience to overcome the formidable Storm and secure another shot at glory on the biggest stage in Australian rugby league.