latest news as Penrith Panthers star set to return

After missing play since Round 10 due to a re-aggravated hamstring injury sustained during Penrith’s 16-10 victory over Canterbury, Nathan Cleary is scheduled to make his comeback this week.

The Panthers star had missed Rounds 4–7 and 9, plus Round 9 as a precaution, due to a hamstring injury that had plagued him for the majority of the season, before the catastrophe.

The injury has seen Cleary miss out on yet more NRL action, while he has also been unavailable for New South Wales in State of Origin.

Nathan Cleary injury news: Penrith Panthers star set to return

The halfback’s grade two tear, which has kept him out of action for more than two months, was confirmed by Penrith. The injury sent shockwaves through the Blues’ camp, forcing Michael Maguire to look elsewhere for his No. 7 in Origin. The playmaker had reportedly circled Round 17 for his comeback, but this proved to be a touch optimistic as he now sets to play his first game in nine weeks when the Panthers take on the Dolphins in Round 20.

mentioned how the star’s recuperation would be “tricky” because a re-injury is a sensitive matter.