Bombshell Nathan Cleary news is a disaster for NSW coach Brad Fittler

NSW coach Brad Fittler will be forced to do major surgery to his team after confirmation his worst fears about Nathan Cleary have been realised.

Nathan Cleary injured his hamstring.

Nathan Cleary will miss the rest of the 2023 State of Origin series, the New South Wales Rugby League has confirmed.

The Panthers halfback pulled up in pain after chasing Dragons speedster Tyrell Sloan during his team’s win over the Dragons on Sunday.

Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary admitted the injury was serious.

However, few would have predicted the 25-year-old’s injury would be as bad as what scans have shown.

Penrith released a statement on Monday morning announcing Cleary will be sidelined for six weeks as he recovers.

The club announced in a statement: “Scans have revealed the representative halfback will be sidelined for up to six weeks.

“Cleary’s replacement for the Round 15 match against Sydney Roosters will be announced when Panthers coach Ivan Cleary names his squad on Tuesday afternoon.”

It is a hammer blow to NSW, which suddenly needs to find a new No. 7 — and potentially a new five-eighth if Jarome Luai is not seen as a good option to partner whichever player Blues coach Brad Fittler turns to.

Nathan Cleary has done his hammy. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

Cleary clutches his leg in pain. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

Cleary is certain to miss the crucial Game 2 at Suncorp Stadium on June 21 with the Blues heading into the contest needing to keep the series alive after the Maroons’ victory in Origin I in Adelaide last week.

He would also need a miracle to be fit for the series finale on July 12 in Sydney.

Penrith had earlier said the club was hopeful it was just a “low grade” strain.

Cleary returned to the Panthers bench wearing his puffer jacket, but played no further part in the game and was a forlorn sight as he watched the final minutes of the game.

His injury opens the door for a massive shake-up to the NSW team for Game 2 in Queensland in 16 days’ time.

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.”