LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In the lead-up to the NRL grand final, Melbourne Storm legend Billy Slater has thrown some shade Nathan Cleary's way, questioning the Panthers halfback's comments on his shoulder injury.
As the Panthers medical team considers the use of painkilling injections for Cleary, who suffered the injury against the Storm at the end of the regular season, the stakes are high for the upcoming clash.
Cleary's late-game exit in the Sharks match raised concerns among Panthers fans, with Fox Sports commentator Dane Ginnane noting the halfback's visible discomfort.
Despite this, Cleary seemed unfazed, casually rotating his arm and downplaying any injury speculation.
"Just a little knock," he reassured fans.
"I wasn't at 100%, but I felt confident to keep playing."
Slater, however, isn't buying Cleary's nonchalant attitude, hinting that there may be more to the story.
As tension builds before the grand final showdown, the mind games and physical battles between these two star players could very well determine the outcome on the big day.
It's shaping up to be a clash filled with drama, skill, and a touch of Aussie grit.