In a huge boost for Penrith’s quest for a four-peat, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has declared his chief playmaker and son Nathan Cleary a certain starter ahead of Friday night’s Qualifying Final against the Sydney Roosters.
The 26-year-old hasn’t played since injuring his shoulder in the second half of Penrith’s loss to Minor Premiers Melbourne back on August 15.
Following a month of rest and rehabilitation, Nathan will make his long awaited comeback this Friday night at BlueBet Stadium.
Despite question marks over his fitness, Ivan said his halfback won’t be having any pre-game painkilling injections and is ready and raring to go.
“Yes, he is fit,” Ivan confirmed to reporters on Wednesday.
“This was always the plan to play him this week. Obviously, the stakes have moved up and we always wanted to pick our best team and he’s ready this week.
“No needles,” he added.
After several weeks training with the rehab group along with the NRL team, Ivan said he is satisfied the two-time Clive Churchill Medallist is at the level he needs to play a full 80-minutes of Finals Footy.
“We always planned for him to return this week, and his rehab has gone really well. He’s feeling confident and everything has gone to plan,” Ivan said.
“He’s been gradually doing contact for well over a week.
“The plan has always been to play this week, and he’s ticked every box. I look forward to getting him out there.”
If Penrith defeat the Roosters on Friday night, they’ll earn a week off before playing in a Preliminary Final, likely at Accor Stadium, in two weeks’ time.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.