Surgeons were reportedly confident Nathan Cleary could return for Penrith by Round 1 in 2027, following an operation for a compound fracture and dislocated ankle.
AAP reported the positive assessment on Thursday, after Cleary suffered a compound fracture, a double leg break and a fracture in his other foot.
The 28-year-old is recovering at his parents' home in Penrith and is scheduled for another operation on Saturday.
Some NRL commentators have questioned whether he will regain his best form, but coach and father Ivan Cleary expects further improvement.
"I know there is so much more to come as well, and I know he thinks that way as well," Ivan said.
Nathan won his first Dally M medal, adding it to his NSW State of Origin player of the year and RLPA players' champion awards.
"It's crazy," Ivan said of his son's season, adding that he did not think Nathan reflected much while it was still unfolding.
Ivan described the injury as one of the hardest experiences he had faced as a father and coach.
"Sunday was definitely one of the harder days I have been through," coach Cleary said.
"It's the first time where the line of dad and coach got a bit blurred."
"And the loss, I guess we have had a lot of good days so you can't have it all your way. Very emotional, but life goes on."
Nathan could not attend the awards ceremony, but Ivan said his mood lifted noticeably after learning he had won.