NRL 2024: Nathan Cleary facing six to eight weeks on sideline with hamstring injury, set to miss State of Origin

Nathan Cleary’s injury has massively rocked Penrith’s bid of a four-peat and NSW’s psyche ahead of State of Origin in a few weeks time. So how do both sides survive while the champion halfback is sidelined?

Nathan Cleary has been ruled out of State of Origin with a hamstring injury. Picture: NRL Photos

NSW has been toppled as State of Origin favourites, Penrith has blown out in premiership and minor premiership betting and there is now confusion over who will be the Blues and Panthers replacement halfback.

Nathan Cleary’s eight-week absence with a hamstring injury has impacted heavily on Penrith’s bid for a four-peat but, just as importantly, NSW’s psyche ahead of the June 5 State of Origin opener.

One of the few certainties for NSW, Cleary’s unavailability has left coach Michael Maguire – and an entire state – now pondering multiple haves combinations.

Players have just two games to stake their claims.

Parramatta’s Mitch Moses is among the candidates to replace Cleary but he hasn’t played since fracturing his foot in round five. He desperately wants to return for Sunday’s big match against Melbourne at Magic Round.

Cronulla’s Nicho Hynes is another robust candidate but he didn’t play Melbourne on Saturday due to a calf injury. Matt Burton and Cody Walker will also be discussed but are unlikely to be named.

Former NSW halfback and adviser Greg Alexander believes Moses, Hynes and Jarome Luai are the three players vying for two halves spots.

Nathan Cleary is looking at a long period on the sidelines. Picture: NRL Photos

“Moses has been there before but he is still yet to come back so let’s see how he returns. Nicho has been in good form and he has two big games coming up against the Roosters and Panthers,” Alexander said.

“Both those players were also in the frame to play six if Nathan was fit. Jarome is experienced, he’s been there before and has been in good touch. Moses and Nicho could be in the halves, that’s an option. It’s out of those three players.”

The loss of Cleary instantly affected betting markets. NSW was $1.65 favourites last week with TAB but have now drifted out $2 with Queensland tightening from $2.25 into $1.80 favourites.

And the betting also altered Penrith’s odds, who have blown out from $3 to $3.25 to win the premiership and drifted from $2 out to $2.20 for the minor premiership. Those odds could change further over the next 24 hours.

“Few players have the ability to shift a market that extremely,” said TAB’s Rohan Welsh. “But Cleary is one of those players.

“Losing Nathan is massive. He was a lock to be chosen for NSW and was the linchpin in the halves.”

The loss of Manly’s Tom Trbojevic (hamstring) on Thursday also has NSW fans in a tailspin. Cam Murray will also be missing with a hip injury.

Candidates for Trbojevic’s spot includes Stephen Crichton, Kotoni Staggs, Bradman Best, Jesse Ramien, Latrell Mitchell and Izack Tago.

Can Penrith and NSW survive without Cleary? Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Penrith is also without the club’s back-up halfback, Brad Schneider, who has a knee ligament injury. His comeback prediction ranges from two weeks to two months.

Young Jack Cole is expected to play halfback for Penrith over the next two months in the anticipated absence of Cleary and Schnieder.

Penrith may also need to find a new five-eighth if Luai is called up by Maguire.

If the eight-game forecast is accurate, Cleary wouldn’t return until Penrith’s match against Brisbane on July 5 with Origin III is July 17.

A Panthers statement issued on Sunday morning revealed the injury prognosis round Cleary.

It read: “Penrith Panthers can provide an update on halfback Nathan Cleary, who sustained a hamstring injury during Friday night’s match against the Bulldogs.

“Scans revealed a grade 2 hamstring tear which will see Cleary ruled out for eight weeks.”