Injury update: Nathan Cleary seems not to be coming back soon, Legends hints
After the Panthers revealed that star halfback Nathan Cleary will miss eight weeks due to a Grade 2 hamstring tear, Cooper Cronk thinks the team is being “very, very cautious” with his treatment.
Cleary exited the field during the first half of Penrith’s Friday night victory against the Bulldogs due to a recurrence of his hamstring ailment, which has already prevented him from playing in four games this year.
Not only is it a crushing defeat to the Panthers, but it also eliminates the Blues’ hopes of winning three consecutive State of Origin series.
“State of Origin absent after eight weeks. This is huge, not just for Penrith but also for the Blues, Braith Anasta stated on Sunday Ticket on Fox League.
Cronk and legendary Panthers player Greg Alexander think Penrith is being too cautious with its star player.
“I suppose it’s because of the incident, and he’s currently dealing with an injury. Despite the fast turnaround—a month off, returning to the field, and then resting—he trained effectively over the first two weeks. At training, there was no problem, according to Alexander.
They’ll probably hope he returns before the eight weeks, but I believe that’s the most likely scenario given the severity of the condition and its recurrence. I hope it works out more quickly than that.
“I think it’s a very, very cautious approach, and rightfully so,” Cronk continued. Tom Trbojevic sustained a Grade 2 injury on Thursday night and hobbled off, so I don’t think he had a Grade 2 tear as well.
“Basically, Nathan bolted off the field. After jogging to position, take off.
“The last thing he should be doing is taking a two-week break, playing Origin when he returns, overloading it, and finally finishing it.”
“I totally agree with the gradual and steady approach, in my opinion. For Penrith, he must arrive at the appropriate time of year.
With Cleary sidelined, Sharks star Nicho Hynes and Eels playmaker Mitch Moses seem to be the front-runners to start for the Blues in Game I’s starting halves duo.
But when it comes to how both parties handle their own injuries, it’s not quite so clear-cut.
Due to a calf problem, Hynes had to leave the game against the Storm on Saturday; nevertheless, Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon is optimistic that the halfback will be fine the following week.
Moses hasn’t played since Round 3 due to a foot fracture. The game versus the Storm the following weekend has been set aside for his return.
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Teams in the Magic Round: Broncos flex their spine, Manly try a different approach to replace Turbo, Panthers cubs stand up, and star pair faces a ban
Enrith will rely on rookie playmaker Jack Cole to start in place of Nathan Cleary following the star halfback’s eight-week absence due to a hamstring strain.
Due to Brad Schneider’s knee injury, who is also expected to be out for Sunday’s Magic Round matchup against the Warriors, Jarome Luai is probably going to move to halfback and Cole to five-eighth.
Midway through his third NRL match against Canterbury, Cole replaced Cleary. He is being prepared to replace Luai for Penrith when he joins Wests Tigers in 2025.
Ivan Cleary, the coach of the Panthers, stated, “We have high hopes for Coley.”
Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is unlikely to be fit to play Penrith after missing Sunday’s match against the Roosters in Sydney due to a hamstring injury sustained during practise.
All over, hamstrings are tensing up.
Due to a hamstring injury, Manly star Tom Trbojevic will be sidelined for seven weeks, and coach Anthony Seibold plans to experiment with a different strategy to replace his Dally M Medal-winning fullback.
In previous seasons, when Trojevic has been sidelined, the Sea Eagles have turned to Reuben Garrick; however, Tolutau Koula is expected to start against Brisbane on Friday at Suncorp Stadium.
Trbojevic’s injury came at a good time for Manly because, if the early diagnosis is accurate, he would only miss five games, with the Sea Eagles receiving two byes during that time.
Better news came about winger Jason Saab, whose shoulder issue is only likely to keep him out of action for a few weeks.
Saab was injured when attempting to save a try during the first half of Manly’s 30-24 loss to the Dolphins on Thursday. However, following the team’s round 13 bye, he should be able to play again.
Second-rower Ben Trbojevic might be moved to center, or Jaxson Paulo and Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega could enter the backline.
Along with forward Nathan Brown (hip flexor) and hooker Lachlan Croker (concussion), Haumole Olakau’atu will return from suspension against Brisbane.
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After leaving the game against Parramatta after 13 minutes due to a wrist injury, Broncos hooker Billy Walters is doubtful to play against the Sea Eagles.
After his second NRL game, journeyman halfback Josh Rogers garnered a lot of praise; yet, it looks like Jock Madden will take his spot.
Because of Brisbane’s depth, even though the 27-year-old kicked brilliantly and had genuine poise in the team’s 30-14 victory against Parramatta, he will probably end himself back in the Queensland Cup with Burleigh.
Due to a damaged bicep, Captain Adam Reynolds may be out for up to 14 weeks, and Madden was unable to play for the Eels due to a pectoral injury. He is expected to return to the Manly side.
One of the few instances when tripping has resulted in more punishment than a fine is in the case of Wests Tigers second-rower Isaiah Papali’i, who might face a suspension.
For an incident that occurred on Knights prop Leo Thompson in the 21st minute of Saturday’s loss at Tamworth, he has been charged with grade-two dangerous contact.
Should he make a guilty plea, he will just miss Magic Round; but, if he contests the charge, he may miss a fortnight.
As a result of receiving a grade-two reckless high tackle for a shot on Tigers hooker Jake Simpkin, Knights prop Daniel Saifiti’s chances of being called up to the NSW team have diminished. Additionally, he has one or two games remaining.
After a kick downfield, Storm captain Harry Grant controversially sin-binned in Saturday night’s loss to Cronulla for running into former teammate Daniel Atkinson’s leg. For this incident, he was assessed a grade-one dangerous contact charge.
Suncorp Stadium, Canberra vs. Canterbury, Friday, May 17, 6 p.m.
The Raiders: Prior to the bye, Emre Guler (high tackle) and Morgan Smithies (crushing tackle) paid fines for their last-start victory over Manly, which allowed them to escape suspensions. Jordan Rapana (knee) and Corey Horsburgh (groin) have little chance of making a comeback in the Magic Round.
Bulldogs: After suffering a knee injury, seasoned forward Ryan Sutton may return.
Brisbane vs. Manly at Suncorp Stadium, Friday, May 17, 8:05 p.m. Sea Eagles: Reuben Garrick or Tolu Koula will move from the centers to fullback in lieu of Tom Trbojevic, who is out with a hamstring injury, and Anthony Seibold will require additional support out wide due to Jason Saab’s injury.
Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega and Jaxson Paulo will probably be called back to the reorganized backfield.
Along with middle forward Nathan Brown (hip flexor) and hooker Lachlan Croker (concussion), second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu will return from suspension.
Broncos: Tyson Smoothy is expected to start at hooker, with Tristan Sailor or Blake Mozer being called up to the bench. Billy Walters is doubtful to play after worsening a wrist injury in the victory against Parra.
Half of the second choice Josh Rogers played well last Friday in the first game since Adam Reynolds tore his bicep, although Jock Madden may return from a pectoral ailment.
Newcastle vs. Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, May 18, at 3 p.m.
Titans: There’s a chance Jayden Campbell will recover from his knee injury earlier than expected.
Knights: Daniel Saifiti’s 1-2 week suspension stems from his thoughtless high tackle.
Sharks: Due to a knee injury, Toby Rudolf will be sidelined for a month. Despite a small knee issue, fellow prop Tom Hazelton should be fit to play against the Roosters.
Roosters: Coach Trent Robinson is optimistic that Brandon Smith’s injury, which prevented him from suiting up in Round 10, won’t keep him out for very long.
North Queensland vs. South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, May 18, at 7:45 p.m.
Rabbits: In the meanwhile, fellow winger Alex Johnston (hamstring) will be eligible for selection in place of Jacob Gagai (calf).
Cowboys: Murray Taulagi will likely make a comeback from his hamstring injury, which will increase his chances of being selected as a winger for Queensland.
Suncorp Stadium, Sunday, May 19, 1:50 p.m. Warriors vs. Penrith: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is unlikely to return after missing Sunday’s clash with the Roosters because of a hamstring issue he sustained during practice on Thursday.
Panthers: Jack Cole is probably going to start in the halves since usual backup Brad Schneider hurt his knee while playing in the NSW Cup, forcing Nathan Cleary to miss more time due to a hamstring injury.
Suncorp Stadium, Melbourne vs. Parramatta, Sunday, May 19, 4:05 p.m.
Storm: Jahrome Hughes is unlikely to go to Brisbane, but he is hopeful of playing despite his calf problem. After missing a few weeks due to a hamstring strain, Maroons winger Xavier Coates could be back in action soon.
After a kick downfield, Storm captain Harry Grant controversially sin-binned in Saturday night’s loss to Cronulla for running into former teammate Daniel Atkinson’s leg. For this incident, he was assessed a grade-one dangerous contact charge.
Mitchell, Eels Moses wants to recover from his injured foot ligament as soon as possible, but Parra won’t decide if he’s fit for the game until almost there.
Advertisement Sunday, May 19, at 6:25 p.m., at Suncorp Stadium: Wests vs. Dolphins
Tigers: After tripping Knights prop Leo Thompson during Saturday’s defeat at Tamworth, Isaiah Papali’i may get a suspension. Should he make a guilty plea, he will just miss Magic Round; but, if he contests the charge, he may miss a fortnight.
Dolphins: Trai Fuller will not play at fullback as Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is getting close to returning from a month-long hamstring tear.
Goodbye, Dragons: After returning from a calf ailment with caution, Luciano Leilua will be available for selection in Round 12.
