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Nathan Cleary injury status and fallout

Updated 5 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-28 06:25 UTC → 2026-10-01 00:55 UTC · added removed

Nathan Cleary foot and ankle injury status and fallout

Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary is managing facing a stress-related bone injury in his right foot ahead of the NRL preliminary finals. The injury, attributed to overuse from running and kicking, initially required Cleary to reduce his physical workload and utilize mental visualization techniques. Following scans that detected bone damage, Cleary transitioned from using lengthy recovery after sustaining a moon boot to performing gym work. He was expected to participate in training on Friday to test compound fracture and dislocation of his fitness. The injury was sustained left ankle during the qualifying final against the Roosters. While coach Ivan Cleary initially confirmed that Cleary was fit to start in Sunday’s NRL preliminary final against the Newcastle Knights, the team has since adjusted its lineup. Cleary has been moved to the interchange bench to manage the injury. Jack Cogger will start at halfback in Cleary's place, while Jack Cole will start at five-eighth. During the preliminary final against the Knights, Cleary sustained a compound fracture of his left ankle. Knights. The injury occurred late in the first half following a hip-drop tackle by Newcastle Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland, who was sent off by referee Gerard Sutton. Cleary during the match. Cleary, who was already managing a stress-related bone injury in his right foot, has since undergone emergency surgery for the ankle fracture and requires additional surgery on his right foot. As a result of these injuries, Cleary will miss the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. Newcastle secured a 22-14 victory to advance to the NRL grand final, while Crossland has been referred to the NRL judiciary for the tackle. Cleary He is expected to be sidelined for up to six months. Additionally, teammates 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-01 00:55 UTC Nathan Cleary injury status and fallout
  2. 2026-09-28 06:25 UTC Nathan Cleary foot and ankle injury status
  3. 2026-09-28 00:54 UTC Nathan Cleary foot and ankle injury status
  4. 2026-09-27 05:32 UTC Nathan Cleary foot injury status
  5. 2026-09-26 02:44 UTC Nathan Cleary foot injury status
  6. 2026-09-22 06:19 UTC Nathan Cleary foot injury status

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