The remarkable recovery that could help Nathan Cleary go from Penrith to a NSW Origin debut
JUST seven weeks after suffering a grade-three medial ligament injury, a seriously dedicated Nathan Cleary commenced training with Penrith on Monday, a fortnight ahead of schedule.
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FROM Penrith’s black to NSW’s blue in the space of two weeks.
That’s the reality facing Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary thanks to his remarkable dedication to return from a knee injury a fortnight ahead of schedule.
A fit and firing Cleary commenced training on Monday, just seven weeks after suffering a grade-three medial ligament injury against Canterbury in round three.
But according to teammates, he wouldn’t be back if it wasn’t for his tireless work behind the scenes.
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Prop Trent Merrin revealed the playmaker has devoted endless hours to his recovery, including weekly hyperbaric chamber sessions and drinking gels.
Now Merrin believes Cleary is perfectly placed to make his NSW debut in Origin I at the MCG on June 6.
“If Nath does his role for us, steers us around the park and ticks all the boxes, I can’t see why Freddie wouldn’t pick him,” Merrin said.
“He is a world-class player; he treats himself as a professional.
“He has been doing everything and more than what the physios are putting in front of him and he is ready to go.
“Nath is always the first in and last out at training. He is in the hyperbaric machine all the time; he is eating his gels he has to eat.
“He has done everything he can to get back.
“If he gets through these two games and everything is sweet, I can’t see why he wouldn’t play Origin.”
Cleary trained on Monday night without halves partner James Maloney, whose wife is expecting the couple’s fourth child.
Maloney is expected to return for the captain’s run prior to Thursday’s clash against the Wests Tigers.
This short preparation for the halves could be perceived as a weakness, but Merrin believes it will help a returning Cleary find his feet.
“It has probably worked out well that Jimmy isn’t here so Nath can get used to the team again,” he said.
“It will be exciting to get Nath back on the field — he is all class.
“But Jimmy (Maloney) is on baby watch, so it will be like a yoga session without him.”
Jokes aside, Merrin is also focused on performing against the Tigers on Thursday to push his own Origin claims.
He last played for NSW in 2015 and says he’d like another chance to don blue.
“I’d love to,” he said.
“I’m working really hard, but it all starts with club footy. But I’d definitely put my hand up and it’s something I want to get back into.”