‘No doubt’: Nathan Cleary sent to hospital but club confident he’ll play the Storm on Friday

Nathan Cleary has sent a huge scare through the Panthers after the star halfback was sent to hospital just days before the preliminary final.

Nathan Cleary has been cleared of a serious finger injury. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The Panthers have confirmed star halfback Nathan Cleary was sent to hospital for scans on an injured finger but are adamant he is in “no doubt” for Friday’s preliminary final against the Storm.

Cleary suffered the injury at training on Monday and the club decided to send him for precautionary scans that cleared him of any serious damage.

Nathan Cleary is expected to face the Storm despite suffering a finger injury at training. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The premiership-winning halfback will have to get through Wednesday’s main training session, but the Panthers are confident he will be fine to face the Storm.

It’s a tiny setback for the defending champions who were put through their paces after they earnt the week off following their qualifying final win over the Warriors.

Izack Tago (pec) remains in doubt for the game at Accor Stadium, while five-eighth Jarome Luai is on track to return from a dislocated shoulder he suffered less than a month ago.

He trained well on Sunday morning, although Jack Cogger is ready to play if required.

Jarome Luai had plenty of strapping on his shoulder but is expected to play. Picture: Jake Hunter

“When it first happened, I thought the worst because it was a pretty ugly injury,” teammate Liam Martin said.

“But when it came out that he had a chance to come back because it wasn’t as bad as they first thought, I knew he would do everything in his power to play.

“That’s exactly what he’s done. He’s done round-the-clock physio on it and worked so hard to get his shoulder right.”