Concerns are mounting over Nathan Cleary's fitness ahead of the NRL preliminary final, as Billy Slater questions the accuracy of the latest updates on the Penrith star's foot injury.
Cleary sustained what the Panthers described as a stress-related bone issue during a finals match against the Sydney Roosters. Following the match, he was also given a grade 1 dangerous contact charge, resulting in a $1000 fine.
The team has kept details vague, stating that Cleary "will continue to be assessed and monitored by the Panthers medical team," which has led to speculation about the severity of his condition.
Slater expressed concern that Cleary may be dealing with a more serious injury, such as a Lisfranc injury, which can require up to a year of recovery. He remarked on the uncertainty surrounding Cleary's availability, stating, "You will have no idea what is going on with Nathan until potentially an hour before kick-off."
The visual of the halfback limping in the match and not taking a crucial conversion added to worries about his condition. Teammate Dylan Edwards previously played through a similar injury, highlighting the difficulty of recovery from foot fractures, with former NRL player Aaron Woods stressing the challenges of blood flow to the foot for healing.
As the preliminary final approaches, the extent and nature of Cleary's injury remain under scrutiny, leaving fans anxious about his role in the upcoming game.