‘1000 to 1 chance’: Nathan Cleary injured in State of Origin nightmare for NSW
Nathan Cleary has suffered an injury backing up for the Panthers, putting him in serious doubt for State of Origin Game II.
Nathan Cleary is in doubt for State of Origin Game II after suffering a hamstring injury in Penrith’s 26-18 win over St George Illawarra on Sunday night.
The Panthers halfback pulled up proppy in the 14th minute after chasing Dragons speedster Tyrell Sloan, leaving the field with an apparent hamstring injury.
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“He is coming from the field with a hamstring injury,” Shane Flanagan said on Fox League.
“This is a big problem of course for the Panthers here tonight, but down the track to NSW in game two at Suncorp Stadium.
“He hobbled and skipper back into the defensive line on one leg and that’s not a minor tweak buy the looks of things.
“That looks like he has done a pretty good job on it right there.
“17 days to Origin II and his chances of playing in that game are 1000 to one.”
Fox League’s Jake Duke confirmed Cleary had suffered an injury to his left hamstring, but the Panthers were hopeful it is a “low grade” strain.
“I spoke to the Panthers medical staff and Nathan Cleary is not coming back tonight,” Duke said.
“It is a hamstring and he will get scans tomorrow. They are hopeful it is a low grade hamstring injury, which would be great news for everyone the blues included, but they will have to wait on what those scans tell them.”
Cleary returned to the Panthers bench wearing his puffer jacket, but he would play no further part in the game.
Commentator Warren Smith said: “There is Nathan Cleary. A forlorn sight isn’t he. Hoodie over the face as he brings the ice pack on his left hamstring and watch the remainder of this first half.”
Penrith levelled the score 12-12 at halftime after a spectacular cross-field kick set up a brilliant try to Brian To’o.
A try to Zac Lomax kept the Dragons in touch but Isaah Yeo burst through the advantage line to put Moses Leota over for a try that proved the difference in the end.
But the major talking point was Cleary’s injury and its ramifications for NSW’s Origin side.
With just 17 days to Origin Game II in Brisbane, Cleary is racing the clock to be fit for the must win clash.
His injury opens the door for NSW’s halves pairing to be reshuffled, with Jarome Luai’s spot also possibly in doubt.
Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds knows Suncorp Stadium well and could be a worthy replacement in the No. 7, while Nicho Hynes, NSW’s 18th man Matt Burton and even South Sydney’s Cody Walker could be in the mix.
Matty Johns said on Fox League: “The bloke that deserves the chance is Nicho Hynes. He is Dally M medallist, he was (jersey) 14 the other night, wasn’t given an opportunity. He is the obvious.
“What does this mean for Luai? We’re talking about combinations
“I’ve said it before, I like Cody Walker in the squad, especially with Latrell Mitchell coming back on that left side.”
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