started · updated
Nathan Cleary undergoes emergency surgery after severe ankle injury
Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has undergone emergency surgery following a severe compound fracture of his left ankle. The injury occurred during a preliminary final loss to the Newcastle Knights, caused by a hip-drop tackle from Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland. Cleary, who was also managing a broken bone in his right foot, is expected to be sidelined for up to six months, ruling him out of the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
Crossland was sent off during the match and has been referred to the NRL judiciary. The decision to refer him without a specific grading suggests a lengthy suspension that will likely prevent him from participating in the NRL grand final.
In addition to Cleary's injury, teammates Dylan Edwards and Isaah Yeo face uncertainty regarding their availability for the World Cup due to a ruptured PCL and a ruptured pectoral muscle, respectively.
Entities
Ivan Cleary · Jack Cogger · NRL · Nathan Cleary · Newcastle Knights · Penrith Panthers · Phoenix Crossland
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Cleary is managing a stress-related bone injury in his right kicking foot.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Jack Cogger will start at halfback for the Panthers in place of Cleary.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Scott Sorensen will start in the second row, with Isaiah Papali’i moving to the interchange.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] NRL.com described the decision to move Cleary to the bench as a huge call by coach Ivan Cleary.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Newcastle Knights lineup remains unchanged for the preliminary final.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Liam Henry will start at prop for Penrith, replacing Lindsay Smith.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nathan Cleary has been moved to the interchange bench for the Penrith Panthers' preliminary final against Newcastle.