Panthers rocked by major Cleary injury blow as debutants loom

Premiers Penrith have been rocked by an injury to star co-captain Nathan Cleary, who is facing a long spell on the sidelines.

Nathan Cleary is facing weeks on the sidelines. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Premiers Penrith have been rocked by an injury to star co-captain Nathan Cleary with the Panthers halfback expected to miss up to a month of football with another hamstring issue.

Cleary came from the field in the closing stages of the Panthers victory over Brisbane in round three with scans confirming a hamstring injury for the champion No. 7.

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Widely regarded as the best player in the NRL, the Cleary news will have widespread ramifications depending on how long the Panthers halfback is sidelined.

The Penrith co-captain has a history of hamstring injuries after missing rounds 15 to 20 last year and State of Origin III with a grade two hamstring tear.

Nathan Cleary is facing weeks on the sidelines. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

But Cleary also has a history of being extremely diligent with injuries and returned last year to guide the Panthers to a third straight title and collect the Clive Churchill Medal.

The news means Brad Schneider will make his debut for the Panthers in Thursday night’s round four blockbuster against the Sydney Roosters.

The three-time premiers have also been dealt another injury blow with backrower Scott Sorensen also out for a month with a knee injury.

Sorensen’s injury is expected to pave the way for the son of club icon Mark Geyer – Mavrik Geyer – to make his NRL debut against the Roosters in round four.

Originally published as Panthers rocked by major Cleary injury blow as debutants loom