Nathan Cleary is set to make a return from off-season shoulder surgery against Newcastle on Saturday after being named in Penrith’s extended squad.
It was originally expected the Clive Churchill Medal winner would return against South Sydney next week but it’s now likely he’ll run out at Carrington Park on Saturday.
Cleary has officially been named in the number 24 jumper and official confirmation is likely to come on Friday.
The 24-year-old missed Penrith’s opening two games of the season after having surgery on the shoulder that almost robbed him of guiding the side to last year’s historic Premiership.
Sean O’Sullivan has played in the number seven jumper against the Sea Eagles and Dragons.
In other team news, Taylan May comes onto the wing for the injured Brian To’o.
Meanwhile, the Knights have confirmed David Klemmer and Lachlan Fitzgibbon are out this week, while Kalyn Ponga has been named but still has to “tick a couple of boxes” before he’s a confirmed starter against Penrith.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.