Nathan Cleary has been named to return from a shoulder injury for Penrith in their Finals clash with the Roosters on Friday night.
Cleary has played just 10 games for Penrith this season in a year troubled by injury, but now has the opportunity to guide the side to a fourth straight Premiership.
He has been put on ice since suffering the shoulder injury in the match against Melbourne back in Round 24.
Hamstring injuries saw him miss considerable time in the early and middle parts of the season.
Cleary’s return sees Brad Schneider relegated to the reserves.
Friday’s match at BlueBet Stadium is expected to be a sellout with limited tickets remaining following today’s general public release.
Panthers team: Dylan Edwards, Sunia Turuva, Izack Tago, Paul Alamoti, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary (c), Moses Leota, Mitch Kenny, James Fisher-Harris, Scott Sorensen, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo (c). Bench: Trent Toelau, Lindsay Smith, Liam Henry, Luke Garner.
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.