Nathan Cleary to be named for State of Origin decider but coach Brad Fittler sets fitness deadline

NSW halfback Nathan Cleary will be named for the Origin decider but NSW coach Brad Fittler has imposed a fitness deadline.

NSW Blues player Nathan Cleary is aiming to return from an ankle injury.

NSW halfback Nathan Cleary will be named for the Origin decider.

But NSW coach Brad Fittler has imposed a fitness deadline, with Cleary needing to train by Thursday.

NSW coach Brad Fittler is unsure if he will name a back-up player for Cleary.

The Panthers playmaker will run on Sunday for the first time since injuring his ankle in Origin 2 in Perth.

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Nathan Cleary arrives at Sydney Domestic Airport in Sydney after injuring his ankle in Origin 2.

“Originally they had to wait for the swelling to go down,” Fittler told the Sunday Footy Show. “Until they do that, they can’t work out how bad the injury actually is.

“It’s more of a sprained ankle, more so than a syndesmosis, which was first thought and is usually an operation at the severe end.

“We’ll find out today (Sunday) and tomorrow (Monday). He’ll weight bear on it, he’ll definitely be trying to run by Tuesday and that will be the big indicator ...

“Our first real running session will be Thursday. I’d say he’d at least have up until then.”

NSW Blues player Nathan Cleary is aiming to return from an ankle injury.

Former Blues No.7 Mitchell Pearce has put his hand up to make a dramatic return should Cleary be ruled out, however, Fittler hinted his call-up would be unlikely.

Utility Wade Graham will instead be expected to partner James Maloney in the halves after filling in for Cleary in the second half in Perth.

Wade Graham filled in for Cleary in Origin 2.

“The fact is (Cleary is) a link player. To bring in other link players makes a difference to the cohesion of your squad,” Fittler said.

“We really hope Nathan’s fit and healthy.

“Tyson Frizell didn’t run after game one, when he had the concussion, until about Friday.

“He was a very important part of our team last year.

“It’s all very individual on how long you give someone.”

The news comes among revelations Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga will miss the Origin decider with a calf injury.

Originally published as Nathan Cleary to be named for State of Origin decider but coach Brad Fittler sets fitness deadline