NRL 2024: Alex Johnston set for sideline stint, Nathan Cleary confirms return date from ‘minor’ hamstring injury

The Rabbitohs’ injury crisis continues with another star set for a sideline stint, while Penrith’s Nathan Cleary will make an earlier than expected return from a “minor” hamstring injury in a boost for the Panthers and SuperCoaches.

Panthers star Nathan Cleary to return in round 7. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

South Sydney flyer Alex Johnston has been ruled out for four to six weeks after scans revealed a hamstring tear in another blow to Jason Demetriou’s backline stocks.

A club official said the best-case scenario was four weeks on the sideline but Johnstone could be missing for up to six weeks after he left the field during the win over the Bulldogs on Good Friday.

It’s another hit to the Rabbitohs’ outside backs. They are already without centre Campbell Graham (sternum) and youngster Tyrone Munro (collarbone) heading into the clash against New Zealand on Saturday.

Johnston’s injury has opened the door for Jacob Gagai to earn a call-up after he played on the wing in the Rabbitohs’ season-opening loss to Manly in Las Vegas.Demetriou also has other options in reserve grade including Izaac Thompson, who has played at centre in NSW Cup so far, and winger Braidon Burns.

Graham has been sidelined with a sternum injury and went under the knife seven weeks ago. The centre is officially listed as being back in round 20 but last week revealed he could be in line to return two weeks ahead of schedule.

Munro is also out with a shoulder injury but is expected to be available in round eight after South Sydney’s first bye round.

Demetriou feared the worst for Johnston immediately after the match, after the 29-year old left the field in the 71st minute at Accor Stadium.

“AJ has a hammy problem,” Demetriou confirmed post match.

“He’s getting old now AJ. I’m not sure how bad it is. He couldn’t finish the game so it’s obviously not good.”

Alex Johnston failed to finish the game against the Bulldogs. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

CLEARY RETURN REVEALED

Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary has confirmed his return date after suffering a hamstring injury against Brisbane.

Cleary is aiming to be back on the field for the Wests Tigers clash in round seven after revealing the hamstring tear is only “minor”.

“Yep... we play Manly this week and then we have a bye,” Cleary said on Channel 9 when asked about the injury.

“It’s a little hammy tear. It’s definitely not the same as (last year).

“It’s probably what happened before I did the actual tear last year, it’s really minor. It’s the other leg as well.

“It’s a conversation with the physio and how to manage it properly. If it was a grand final last week I could have played.

“It’s about managing the workload around extras and kicking. It’s something I never had to worry about growing up, I enjoyed doing it.

“Last year, I started to pick up a few niggles here and there. It’s more so the mental reps now and plan my week with that.”

Panthers star Nathan Cleary to return in round 7. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Brad Schneider will keep his place in the halves alongside Jarome Luai in Cleary’s absence.

Cleary is also expected backrower Liam Martin to be available for this week’s clash against the Sea Eagles.

Martin suffered an AC joint injury against the Sydney Roosters last Thursday night.

“He’ll be fine,” Cleary said.

But with the bye coming up, the option to rest Martin is also a possibility for coach Ivan Cleary.

“I think he’s the softest tough guy in the team,” Cleary said.

“Everyone sees him and thinks he’s the toughest guys, but I think he’s the softest out there in terms of that.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Alex Johnston set for sideline stint, Nathan Cleary confirms return date from ‘minor’ hamstring injury