Nathan Cleary undergoes shoulder surgery after European holiday with Matildas’ star Mary Fowler
Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has completed shoulder surgery after a whirlwind European holiday with his girlfriend, Matildas star Mary Fowler.
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Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has completed shoulder surgery after a whirlwind European holiday with his girlfriend, Matildas star Mary Fowler.
The 26-year-old shared the update on Instagram, captioning it with a cheerful “Surgery” and a green checkmark emoji, highlighting the successful operation on his right shoulder.
Cleary swapped the stunning Swiss Alps for a hospital bed, now embarking on a four-month recovery with hopes to be fit for Penrith’s season opener against the Cronulla Sharks in Las Vegas on March 1.
The surgery—initially delayed while his specialist was on leave—allowed Cleary and Fowler, typically separated by 17,000 kilometres, to spend three weeks together travelling through Europe.
Cleary’s recent Latarjet surgery is his second, following a similar procedure on his left shoulder in late 2021 that sidelined him for the start of the 2022 season.
This time, Penrith’s medical team expects a quicker recovery, with no game time likely to be missed in 2025.
Cleary will need around three months of rehab but aims to start non-contact training in January.
However, the recovery may limit his preparation time with Blaize Talagi, expected to fill the five-eighth spot after Jarome Luai’s departure.
Brad Schneider and Jack Cole are also contenders for the role.
If Cleary isn’t cleared to play against Cronulla in Las Vegas, coach Ivan Cleary may look to Schneider for the no. 7 role.
Cleary underwent the procedure a month after leading Penrith to a historic fourth consecutive premiership, playing through the finals with his injured shoulder.
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