Nathan Cleary suffers compound ankle fracture in NRL preliminary final
Penrith's Nathan Cleary sustained a compound ankle fracture in the first half and was forced from the field during the preliminary final.
Nathan Cleary was tackled by Newcastle's Phoenix Crossland in the first half and suffered a compound fracture to his ankle. Cleary's lower leg was visibly bent out of shape, and he was taken from the field in a medicab.
Jack Cogger came on as his replacement. Crossland was sent off for the tackle.
Cleary's injury is a major blow to Penrith's finals campaign, as commentator Andrew Johns described him as an "influential player" for the team. The Panthers led 14-6 at halftime.
Cogger told Brad Fittler at the break that he had a job to do for the team despite the loss of his teammate.
- 14-6 to Penrith
- Score at halftime
- Phoenix Crossland
- Tackler
- Jack Cogger
- Replacement player
- Compound ankle fracture
- Injury type
Why it mattersCleary is a key playmaker for Penrith, and his injury affects the team's immediate prospects in the finals.
AustraliaCleary's injury affects Penrith's chances in the NRL finals series, which matters to fans across Australia following the top competition.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 8 h ago
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