Penrith Panthers fans are holding their breath as star halfback Nathan Cleary’s availability for the Round 1 clash against the Sharks on March 2nd remains uncertain. Although Cleary, along with Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards, returned to the lineup for a final pre-season trial against the Wests Tigers, the match itself presented a potential setback for the representative playmaker. The Panthers are hoping for a positive update as they prepare to defend their premiership title.
The concern stems from an incident during the trial match, though details remain limited. The Tigers place up a strong showing, with Heamasi Makasini scoring a notable try, and a spirited performance overall. However, the focus quickly shifted to Cleary’s condition following the game. The Panthers coaching staff, including Ivan Cleary, were even forced to watch the match from the outdoor press area due to a malfunctioning air conditioning unit in the coaches’ box, adding an unusual element to the pre-season preparation.
The trial match offered a valuable opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their combinations before the season begins. For the Tigers, coach Benji Marshall used the game to assess his squad, with the team enjoying a bye in Round 1, giving them an extra three weeks to prepare. Adam Doueihi was particularly busy for the Tigers, setting up a try for Jahream Bula. Meanwhile, former Tiger Isaiah Papali’i impressed for Penrith, putting in a strong performance in the back row.
Tigers’ Edwards Impresses, But Cleary’s Status Remains Key
Despite the Panthers’ strong lineup featuring their key players, the Wests Tigers proved to be a formidable opponent. Dylan Edwards, the Penrith fullback, was involved in a notable duel with Tigers players, stopping one run but being beaten on another occasion that resulted in a try. The Tigers’ left edge, featuring Jarome Luai, Samuela Fainu, Taylan May, and Makasini, showed promising signs of potential throughout the match.
The match similarly saw some disciplinary issues in a separate trial game, with two players binned in the Dolphins’ 38-34 win over the Warriors, including Jacob Host for a hip-drop tackle on Selwyn Cobbo. This highlights the NRL’s continued focus on player safety and the enforcement of rules regarding dangerous tackles.
Panthers’ Pre-Season Preparations and Round 1 Outlook
The return of Cleary, Yeo, and Edwards to the Panthers lineup is a significant boost as they gear up for the new season. The team is aiming to build on their previous success and remain a dominant force in the NRL. However, Cleary’s fitness will be crucial to their chances. The Panthers will be hoping for a swift recovery for their star halfback to ensure he is fit to lead the team in their opening match against the Sharks on March 2nd. Fox Sports reports the team welcomed back their “large guns” for the final trial.
The Wests Tigers, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their encouraging performance against the Panthers. With a bye in Round 1, they have valuable time to refine their game plan and prepare for their first match of the season. The development of their left edge, featuring Luai, Fainu, May, and Makasini, will be a key area to watch.
The NRL season is set to kick off with a series of exciting matches, and the availability of key players like Nathan Cleary will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the outcome of those games. The Panthers will be anxiously awaiting updates on Cleary’s condition as they prepare to initiate their title defense.
What comes next for the Panthers hinges on the medical assessment of Nathan Cleary. The club will likely provide an update in the coming days, outlining the extent of any injury and his expected recovery timeline. Fans and rivals alike will be closely monitoring the situation as the season approaches.
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