Nathan Cleary cleared to start NRL preliminary final against Newcastle

Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed that halfback Nathan Cleary is fit to start in Sunday’s NRL preliminary final against the Newcastle Knights. Cleary is managing a stress-related bone issue in his right kicking foot sustained during the qualifying final against the Roosters, but he has since trained without incident.

The Newcastle Knights enter the match seeking to become the first team in nine years to reach an NRL grand final without their first-choice halfback, following a season-ending injury to Dylan Brown. Sandon Smith has stepped into the No. 7 role for the Knights, helping the team maintain a strong scoring average despite missing key players like Jacob Saifiti and Trey Mooney.

The preliminary final will be held at Accor Stadium, with Newcastle fans expected to provide significant support.