NRL premiers Penrith have copped a hammer blow on the eve on the season with captain Nathan Cleary ruled out for the first three rounds.
Cleary, last year’s Clive Churchill medallist in the Panthers’ premiership win, will be sidelined until at least round four as he makes his return from off-season shoulder surgery.
Despite speculation Cleary would be available to play as early as this week, the Panthers medical, performance and coaching departments have opted for a more conservative approach.
“With a long and challenging season ahead of us, it‘s critical that we give Nathan the time he needs to retxjmtzywurn at his physical best,” coach Ivan Cleary said.
“While it‘s obviously a difficult decision and of course we would have loved to have him out there, we believe this will ensure Nathan has the best opportunity to play throughout the year at the level he demands of himself.”
Sean O‘Sullivan will start at halfback for the Panthers on Thursday in the season-opening clash with Manly.
