Nathan Cleary has, in the space of a few days, gone from a 70/30 chance of playing Origin III, to a 50/50 chance and now “a chance.”
That doesn't sound encouraging, but apparently it is.
Blues advisor Greg Alexander has revealed that Cleary is tracking well to take his place alongside James Maloney for Origin III in Sydney on July 10.
According to Alexander, selectors are planning on naming Cleary in an extended squad on Sunday.
“I just spoke to our Penrith physio and she’s feeling quietly confident about Nathan’s chances,” Alexander said on Triple M Saturday NRL.
“The swelling has improved, he’s diligent in his rehab, and he will give himself the best chance.
“She’s expecting he will be able to run by Tuesday and we will take it from there.
“I asked what was her gut feeling and she said ‘I think he could get there’.
“It all depends on how he is on Tuesday, and we will take it from there. But he’s a chance.”
Cleary failed to return for the second half of the Blues' 38-6 game two victory after succumbing to a right ankle problem at Optus Stadium.
The 21-year-old sustained the damage midway through the first stanza, grimacing in pain as he received attention from the team trainer.
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He continued on but handed the goalkicking duties to five-eighth James Maloney after NSW's third try due to the issue.
Penrith props James Tamou and Reagan Campbell-Gillard have faith that Cleary can shorten his recovery period and return to the field in less than three weeks.
"My fingers are crossed for him. I think he should be [fit]," said Panthers captain Tamou.
"I know he'll be there and abouts, but I think he should be there on the field and should be able to finish the series for what he's done."
Tamou said Cleary would be willing to have painkilling injections to line up in the all-or-nothing third match at ANZ Stadium.
"Nath's the type of bloke who would do that, you can just tell by Ivan [Cleary, Penrith coach] – that's the way he was brought up, that's the way he was raised," Tamou said.
Campbell-Gillard lauded Cleary's commitment to his rehab and backed the mature No.7 to beat the odds.
"I think he's going to push to try to make it and do everything he can to get right," Campbell-Gillard said.
"We've heard it's four weeks but if he does everything right I think he can definitely push to be there for the decider."
