Raiders gear up for NRL clash with Penrith as focus shifts from Nathan Cleary

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said the team is not concentrating on Nathan Cleary ahead of their upcoming NRL match against premiership favourites Penrith Panthers in Mudgee. Stuart noted the Raiders must secure a win to keep their finals hopes alive, adding that “that (Cleary, Sanders face‑off) is not spoken about”. The Raiders will also rely on the return of second‑rower Matty Nicholson after shoulder surgery, while they cope with injuries to Hudson Young and Noah Martin. Penrith, coached by Ivan Cleary, have made lineup changes, dropping five‑eighth Blaize Talagi for Jack Cogger after a strong performance against Canberra earlier in the season.