Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary is edging closer to his NRL comeback following a hamstring injury setback. The talented halfback could potentially make his return to the field next weekend, as he continues to make progress in his recovery.
The announcement was made by 9News and Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas during halftime of the NRL coverage on Sunday. Chammas also shared another interesting development, revealing that Dylan Edwards, Cleary’s teammate, has been offered a lucrative multimillion-dollar deal by the Panthers.
Cleary sustained his hamstring injury just before Origin II, forcing him to miss the remainder of the series. However, he has informed the club that he feels ready to play against the Dolphins next Sunday. Nevertheless, the Panthers are understandably cautious and want to ensure that they don’t rush his return. Cleary’s availability for their run into the finals is of utmost importance to the team.
On a positive note, the Penrith Panthers have further reason to celebrate as reports suggest that they have offered Dylan Edwards a three-year contract extension. This deal would secure his presence at the club until 2027 and is rumored to be worth around $2.5 million.
In addition to Cleary’s potential return, the Panthers might also welcome back Viliame Kikau soon. According to Chammas, the Bulldogs are considering naming Kikau in their lineup for the match against the Broncos this Saturday. If not, he is expected to return when the Bulldogs face his former team, the Penrith Panthers, in round 21.
Moving on to injury news from another team, the Parramatta Eels have provided an update on hooker Josh Hodgson, who is currently sidelined with a neck injury. Hodgson will be consulting a specialist this week, and although the Eels hope he can recover in time for the finals, they are exploring the option of signing a backup dummy-half to strengthen their roster.
The Eels have set their sights on the Super League, specifically Joey Lussick from St Helens. Lussick has previously played for the Eels, and there is a possibility of luring him back to the club for added depth in the hooker position.
As the NRL season progresses, teams are constantly navigating the challenges posed by injuries and the need for player rotation. The return of key players like Nathan Cleary and Viliame Kikau would provide significant boosts to their respective teams, boosting morale and enhancing their chances of success in the upcoming finals.
It remains to be seen when exactly Cleary and Kikau will be available for selection, but their potential comebacks have undoubtedly sparked excitement among fans. As the teams strategize and make crucial decisions regarding player availability, fans eagerly anticipate their favorite stars’ return to the exhilarating world of NRL action.
Overall, the Panthers and the Eels are both facing critical junctures in their seasons. While the Panther’s fortunes seem to be on the upswing with Cleary’s potential return and Edwards’ contract extension, the Eels are engaged in a delicate balancing act, hoping for Hodgson’s recovery while exploring other options. Only time will tell how these developments will impact the teams’ performance and aspirations for the NRL finals.
