Penrith star recruit Jamal Idris has been ruled out of tomorrow’s season opener against the Newcastle Knights with a hamstring injury.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary confirmed the news this morning that Idris, who was earlier this week named in the team, won’t take his place in the starting line-up.
“It looks like Jamal won’t make it tomorrow, we’ve basically ruled him out today,” Cleary said.
“It’s unfortunate but it’s a long season. We’ve worked really hard to get it right but it’s just not quite there.”
A replacement for Idris has yet to be announced, although the Weekender understands NSW Cup player Isaah Yeo will make his NRL debut in his place.
There were also injury concerns heading into the match for prop Tim Grant, although Cleary was confident the rest of the side, including Grant, was fit to play.
Meanwhile, Cleary also offered some reassurances to fans regarding the iconic panther scoreboard that was torn down during the week to be replaced by a big video screen.
“The Panther scoreboard is iconic and we certainly didn’t take that decision lightly,” he said. “We are going to keep it and it will be relocated somewhere else. Can’t tell you just yet, it’s a secret.
“It will remain in our facility and will be there for those keen enough to see it in due course.”
The Panthers take on the Knights tomorrow at 4.30pm.
