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.
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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.