Penrith Panthers face injury setbacks and mixed results

The Penrith Panthers faced a week of contrasting outcomes following their preliminary final loss to the Newcastle Knights. Star player Nathan Cleary suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his left ankle during a tackle by Newcastle's Phoenix Crossland. Cleary, who was already playing with a broken right foot, required surgery for injuries to both feet.

Crossland pleaded guilty to dangerous contact and received a four-match suspension, which will rule him out of Newcastle’s upcoming grand final. Following the incident, Cleary and his father, coach Ivan Cleary, publicly defended Crossland, describing the tackle as a “complete accident.”

While the NRL team dealt with the loss and injuries, the Penrith Panthers' NSW Cup side secured a championship after a 36-6 victory over the Newtown Jets. The NSW Cup champions are scheduled to face the Queensland Cup champions, the Redcliffe Dolphins, in the 2026 NRL State Championship this Sunday at Accor Stadium.