Nathan Cleary Faces Shoulder Dilemma Ahead of NRL Grand Final
As the excitement builds for the 2024 NRL Grand Final, all eyes are on Penrith Panthers' superstar Nathan Cleary, who finds himself grappling with a pressing injury concern. Reports reveal that Cleary’s shoulder is a potential "ticking time bomb," raising serious questions about his ability to perform under pressure in the highly anticipated clash against the Melbourne Storm. This isn't just another match; it’s a chance for Cleary and the Panthers to clinch their fourth consecutive premiership, making his health a pivotal issue for the team.
In a dramatic turn of events, Cleary kept a hand injury secret for a fortnight, only to have it surface during the preliminary final against the Sharks. Despite his evident discomfort, he demonstrated resilience, but the reality is stark: his shoulder could dislocate at any moment, even within the first minute of the grand final. Cleary's father, Ivan, who also coaches the Panthers, made the difficult decision to pull Nathan from the field with just six minutes left in the last game, prioritizing his health over the win.
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Compounding the pressure is the fact that this game marks Cleary's return from a shoulder subluxation he suffered earlier in the season, coincidentally against the same opponent, Melbourne, at BlueBet Stadium. Cleary has bravely chosen to play without painkilling injections, which do not address the underlying structural issues stemming from torn tissues that support his shoulder. It’s understood that he may require surgery in the off-season, which adds urgency to this final match.
Dr. Nathan Gibbs, a respected NSW State of Origin physician, elaborated on the precarious nature of Cleary's condition, highlighting the possibility of aggravation at any time during the game. The situation is intensified by the fact that former Panthers junior Shawn Blore will be aiming to target Cleary in the decider. As Dr. Gibbs noted, the risk of a "subluxation event" looms large, with Cleary potentially facing severe pain if hit with enough force. His impressive ability to play through injuries is well-known, but the stakes have never been higher.
Adding to the intrigue is the mystery surrounding his hand injury, which saw him sporting heavy strapping on his right wrist. While Cleary has downplayed the seriousness of this injury, describing it merely as “a little bump,” sources indicate that significant bone bruising could be an issue. X-rays reportedly ruled out fractures, yet the precautionary measures taken by the Panthers speak volumes about the level of concern regarding his overall fitness.
This high-stakes environment mirrors the previous year when Cleary's halves partner, Jarome Luai, played through a similar issue, resulting in an early exit from the grand final. The Panthers are bracing for every possibility this time around, with Brad Schneider positioned as Cleary’s insurance on the bench throughout the finals series. Schneider expressed confidence in Cleary's work ethic and dedication, emphasizing that Cleary is doing everything in his power to be fit for the biggest game of the year.
As we inch closer to the grand final, the spotlight remains firmly on Nathan Cleary. Can he rise above the pain and lead the Panthers to victory one last time? The answer may come down to the opening whistle, and fans are left to wonder: is this a champion ready to fight against the odds, or will the injuries finally take their toll? With the fate of the grand final hanging in the balance, it’s a story that could captivate rugby league fans around the world.
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