As it happened: Cleary off with shoulder injury as Storm prevail

Thanks one and all for following along tonight. There was plenty doing. There was something there for just about everyone. Here’s hoping Cleary’s shoulder injury isn’t too bad and he’ll be back wowing us all in no time. Don’t forget to visit smh.com.au for all the news and analysis from both the Cleary injury and the rest of your NRL news.

It wasn’t unrealistic to expect a great match between the two best teams in the NRL.

What we ended up getting is:

1. The Storm are now prohibitive favourites to be minor premiers after a 24-22 win.
2. If Nathan Cleary’s should injury is serious, does that mean Penrith’s dreams of four titles in a row are over?
3. Another masterful coaching year from Craig Bellamy is panning out before our eyes. This guy is incredible.
4. We know he is big and mean, but Nelson Asofa-Solomona was somehow able to take to two players (one from each team) with one tackle.

What next, rugby league?

Huge win for the Storm, massive second half effort to hold off the Panthers with NAS in the sin bin. Tyran Wishart’s value off the bench, both in attack and defence, can’t be understated. He helped hold them together. But all eyes, ears and minds will be on the status of Nathan Cleary’s shoulder - the title race rests on it. Jack Howarth took a big step forward but Storm will hope Grant Anderson isn’t out for long as he does a great job for them on the wing.

There will be some sombre scenes at Aqua-Golf at Panthers tomorrow. Thoughts and prayers will go up for Cleary. What comes of it will decided plenty.

Melbourne are four competition points clear after scoring a thrilling 24-22 win over the Panthers. A last-gasp attempt at a two-point field goal fails and the Storm players embrace. That match had a bit of everything. If that’s a guide for the finals, can they please hurry up and arrive. Storm win 24-22

A smart captain’s challenge earns Storm a penalty and ensures they keep the ball. Two minutes remain and Melbourne lead by two points. Surely they’re home.

Penrith medical staff aren’t giving a lot away early, and who can blame them. Scans will come on either Friday or Saturday and only then will we know more. It’s not over-egging things to suggest the results of those scans may decide the fate of the 2024 premiership. Storm lead 24-22 after 77 minutes

We will park the Cleary injury to one side for a minute or two. The Storm were just awarded a penalty after a late tackle from James Fisher-Harris on Jarome Hughes. (At least that’s what the referee said). Nick Meaney makes no mistake with the kick and the Storm are now looking really good. Storm lead 24-22 after 72 minutes

This is a major concern. Nathan Cleary is clutching at his shoulder as it is examined. He is leaving the field and not happy at all. It remains to be seen what the diagnosis is, but alarm bells are sounding. A hush descends over the crowd. 22-22 after 68 minutes