As the Penrith Panthers chase back-to-back premierships for the first time in the club's history, there was concern star halfback Nathan Cleary wouldn't be around to help kick off the 2022 season.

The captain had shoulder surgery in the off-season and Penrith's medical staff were anticipating his return to the field in round three or later.

But Cleary is itching to join his teammates from the season opener in pursuit of another title.

"I'm hoping to be out there for round one, a big occasion at home Thursday night against Manly who are a great team, so that's the plan at the moment," Cleary said. 

"There's not much [doubt] I still have two weeks to go, that'll be an important two weeks but it's feeling good at the moment.

"I am tackling and have started moderate contact and hope to be doing the full team stuff next week."

"I just need to have confidence in it, I don't want to be putting myself out there too early and be letting the team down – that's the biggest thing."

Cleary will have the final say as to when he takes the field but will be taking advice from his medical team.

His halves partner, Jarome Luai is impressed with his teammate's comeback.

"Nathan's progressed really well, we aren't looking after him on the field, so good signs from him, hope we get him round one, he's one of the best in the game," Luai said. 

If the Panthers are without their skipper they've got a handy replacement in their ranks in new recruit Sean O'Sullivan.

It's somewhat of a homecoming for the playmaker – he began his career at the foot of the mountains before stints at the Roosters, Broncos and Warriors and was among Penrith's best in their 34-6 trial win over Cronulla. 

"I can't speak highly enough of Seany, he's got a great footy brain on him, he's fit in really well, has really impressed us and played a great game on the weekend," Cleary said.

Luai is also a fan and boasts plenty of experience playing alongside O'Sullivan.

"I played in high school with him (Sean) and so did a lot of the boys, we got beaten in the grand final though," Luai said. 

Can the Panthers clinch consecutive premierships with a whole new roster?

The skipper believes his side can, but concedes it will not be easy.

"It's a big shame to lose the people we have, like Matt Burton and Kurt Capewell, they were a huge part of this team, it's tough," Cleary said.

Other big names to depart were Tyrone May, Paul Momirovski, Brent Naden and Tevita Pangai Jnr.

However, a crop of youthful players has joined the squad including 19-year old Izack Tago and son of Panthers legend Mark Geyer, Mavrick. 

"There's still a few more options, Izack Tago hopefully gets an opportunity on the left edge, he's young and really fit," Luai said.

With so much youth around, 24-year-old Cleary admits he's feeling old among the group.

"It does give other guys opportunities which I am excited about, there's a lot of young talent here," Cleary said.

"This is my seventh year in first grade, I am looking around the group and thinking 'geez everyone is so young, I am a veteran now."

The Panthers have dominated the competition for the past two years with one for the youngest line-up's in the NRL and they plan on doing the same in 2022.

"We're hungrier than ever, we've been lucky to have two good years as a group," Cleary said.

"Personally I think I've got a long way to go still, we know we can give a lot more."

Luai echoed his halves partner's prediction. 

"New year, same goal," Luai said.

The Panthers kick off their 2022 campaign at home against the Manly Sea Eagles on March 10.