Nathan Cleary benched for preliminary final as Panthers protect injury
Nathan Cleary has been sent to the bench for Penrith's preliminary final against Newcastle, nursing a stress-related bone issue in his foot.
Nathan Cleary will start on the bench for Penrith's preliminary final against Newcastle, a surprise move designed to manage a foot injury. The halfback suffered a stress-related bone issue during the week-one finals win over Sydney Roosters.
Jack Cole and Jack Cogger will start in the halves instead. The move gives Penrith the option to decide mid-game whether to risk their star No. 7 or keep him fresh for a grand final if the Panthers qualify.
Coach Ivan Cleary confirmed his son is available to play but is carrying the injury. Several other changes also see Liam Henry start for Lindsay Smith, and Scott Sorensen start for Isaiah Papali'i.
- No. 7 halfback
- Cleary's position
- Newcastle
- Opposing team
- Stress-related bone issue
- Injury type
- Ivan Cleary
- Coach
Why it mattersCleary is crucial to Penrith's attack; how much he plays will decide whether the Panthers can reach the grand final with their halfback at full strength.
AustraliaThe preliminary final is crucial for a top NSW NRL team's premiership hopes; Cleary's fitness and how he is managed could determine the outcome.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 46 min ago
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