Penrith have been dealt a major blow on the injury front, with star halfback Nathan Cleary set for a stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
The 25-year-old backed up from the State of Origin opener to play for the Panthers in Round 15, but lasted less than half the game after limping off the field with the assistance of a club trainer.
Cleary has now been rubbed out for NSW in their must-win clash with the Maroons on June 21, and could be sidelined for up to six weeks with the injury.
The Sporting News has all the latest on Nathan Cleary's hamstring injury below.
How long is Nathan Cleary out?
At this stage, Cleary is set to miss six weeks after suffering a grade two hamstring strain against the Dragons.
The two-time premiership winner could be back prior to the six-week timeframe, but his return is unlikely to come in time for Game II of the Origin series.
Scan results are in for Nathan Cleary, with the Panthers expecting him to miss up to 6 weeks. Likely grade 2 strain (partial tear) with that recovery timeframe, usual recovery range of 4-6 weeks in the NRL. Rules him out of Origin 2 & would be touch & go for Origin 3
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) June 4, 2023
Penrith will likely welcome Cleary back to the side in time for their Round 21 clash with the Bulldogs.
Who will replace Nathan Cleary?
Jack Cogger will slot into the No.7 jumper for the Panthers during the extended absence of Cleary.
The 25-year-old made his club debut off the bench against St George Illawarra and previously made 42 NRL appearances during stints with Canterbury and Newcastle.
Cleary's replacement for NSW is yet to be determined, with the likes of Nicho Hynes, Adam Reynolds and Mitchell Moses all in the running to take over as halfback.
