Nathan Cleary has reaggravated the left shoulder injury he suffered six weeks against Melbourne, raising doubts about whether he will be fit for the rematch when the stakes are at their highest.
Cleary suffered the latest setback with just eight minutes left in Penrith’s 26-6 preliminary final win against Cronulla, a result that has catapulted them into their fifth straight decider. However, the Panthers’ chances of extending their championship streak to four may have suffered the cruellest of blows when the champion halfback was forced from the field.
Nathan Cleary was the difference in a match tighter than the final scoreline suggested.Credit: Getty Images
Cleary hurt himself pulling off a try saver on Kayal Iro, and with the result already secured, he made his way to the sidelines. His fitness will be the biggest story of grand final week.
When Penrith and Melbourne last met six weeks ago, and the game was poised on a knife’s edge, Cleary was also forced from the field with the same shoulder problem. Unable to make the clutch play, the Storm escaped with a thrilling victory.
Before making his way up the tunnel at Accor Stadium, Cleary was the difference in a match tighter than the final scoreline suggested. On a day crammed with so much sport, a contest materialised where it was least expected.
The Swans again saved their worst for last and the Wallabies reverted to type, leaving it to the Sharks to hold their gloves up. At one point, they even threatened to deliver the knockout blow.
When Sione Katoa performed one of his trademark, acrobatic put-downs in the north-eastern corner, one of the most monumental upsets of them all was possible. Despite enjoying a 15-day turnaround, Penrith was not the well-oiled machine they were last week or will need to be next week. However, they were too composed, winning their 11th straight finals match.
The preconditions were ripe for an upset. The rain began while the cheerleaders were going through their paces, drenching the field and levelling the contest. The Sharks were within four points with a quarter left but couldn’t execute the big plays when it mattered.
Last week, Nicho Hynes was prepared to be Braydon Trindall’s wingman. The halfback rarely showed an inclination to jump into the front of the cockpit against the Panthers. The first time Hynes put boot to ball was when he kicked a penalty goal in the 18th minute. The halfback’s first kick in general play didn’t come until the half-hour mark.
Paul Alamoti celebrates scoring a try with teammates.Credit: Getty Images
With the stakes at their highest, the millionaire with the No.7 on his back can’t be content playing goose to Trindall’s maverick.
The other halfback knows when to step up. Midway through the opening half, with the combatants at a stalemate, Nathan Cleary changed the momentum with a 40-20. From the ensuring set, he threw a cut-out pass so sublime that recipient Paul Alamoti barely had a hand laid on him when he dived over.
When Trindall looked a chance to capitalise on an errant pass, it was Cleary who sensed the danger and came up with the loose ball. They were just some of the brilliant plays the champion halfback conjured when it mattered.
With Jarome Luai and Cleary controlling the game, Siosifa Talakai took it upon himself to shake things up. His hit on Luai, who had disposed of the Steeden and had his back to the danger, was late and cheap.
Cleary reaggravated the left shoulder injury he suffered six weeks against Melbourne.Credit: Getty Images
“That is as cheap as it gets,” said Andrew Johns in commentary for Nine. “Someone will get seriously injured if that continues.”
Had the incident occurred in the regular season, Talakai would have spent time off the field. Ditto Toby Rudolf, who performed a blatant trip on Isaah Yeo. There goes the argument about all games being refereed the same across the season.
The result sets up a clash between the two best halfbacks, steering around the two best teams. Cleary versus Dally M favourite Jahrome Hughes. That’s if Cleary is fit to be there.
