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5 clusters · 15 sources · 16 days · First seen · Last updated
Nathan Cleary injury status and fallout
Overview
Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary is facing a lengthy recovery after sustaining a compound fracture and dislocation of his left ankle during the NRL preliminary final against the Newcastle Knights. The injury occurred following a hip-drop tackle by Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland, who was sent off during the match.
Cleary, who was already managing a stress-related bone injury in his right foot, has undergone emergency surgery for the ankle fracture and requires additional surgery on his right foot. He is expected to be sidelined for up to six months, which will rule him out of the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. Teammates Dylan Edwards and Isaah Yeo also face uncertainty regarding their World Cup availability due to a ruptured PCL and a ruptured pectoral muscle, respectively.
Following the incident, Crossland pleaded guilty to dangerous contact and received a four-match suspension, ruling him out of Newcastle’s upcoming grand final. Despite the disciplinary action, Cleary and his father, coach Ivan Cleary, have publicly defended Crossland, describing the tackle as a “complete accident.”
While the senior team prepares for Cleary’s absence, the Penrith Panthers' NSW Cup side secured a championship following a 36-6 victory over the Newtown Jets. They are scheduled to face the Redcliffe Dolphins in the 2026 NRL State Championship this Sunday at Accor Stadium.
Entities
Penrith Panthers · Nathan Cleary · Newcastle Knights · NRL · Ivan Cleary
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nathan Cleary has been moved to the interchange bench for the Penrith Panthers' preliminary final against Newcastle.
- [● 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] Liam Henry will start at prop for Penrith, replacing Lindsay Smith.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Scott Sorensen will start in the second row, with Isaiah Papali’i moving to the interchange.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Newcastle Knights lineup remains unchanged for the preliminary final.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] NRL.com described the decision to move Cleary to the bench as a huge call by coach Ivan Cleary.
Timeline
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[SPORTS] 2 sourcesPenrith Panthers face injury setbacks and mixed results
Nathan Cleary suffered severe ankle injuries during the Penrith Panthers' preliminary final loss to Newcastle. Meanwhile, Penrith's NSW Cup side secured a title ahead of the NRL State Championship.
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[SPORTS] 11 sourcesNathan Cleary undergoes emergency surgery after severe ankle injury
Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary faces a long recovery after suffering a compound ankle fracture during the NRL preliminary finals, ruling him out of the Rugby League World Cup.
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[SPORTS] 8 sourcesNathan Cleary cleared to start NRL preliminary final against Newcastle
Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary is cleared to start Sunday's NRL preliminary final against the Newcastle Knights despite a foot injury.
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[SPORTS] 3 sourcesNRL stars Nathan Cleary and Sam Walker face injury tests ahead of preliminary finals
NRL preliminary finals hinge on the fitness of stars Nathan Cleary and Sam Walker, as both players manage foot and ankle injuries ahead of their respective matches.
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[SPORTS] 6 sourcesNathan Cleary faces foot injury ahead of NRL preliminary finals
Penrith Panthers' Nathan Cleary faces a foot injury assessment ahead of the NRL preliminary finals, with plans to use mental visualisation to manage a stress-related bone issue.
Sources
7news.com.au · americanindependent.com · brisbanetimes.com.au · cobramcourier.com.au · internewscast.com · m.smh.com.au · smh.com.au · sportal.co.nz · sportal.com.au · startsat60.com · theage.com.au · thenightly.com.au · theqldr.com.au · thesportingbase.com · westernweekender.com.au
This summary has been updated 5 times: see revision history