Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is unfazed by Jai Arrow’s claims the South Sydney Rabbitohs will target Nathan Cleary’s shoulder in his first game since undergoing surgery.
Cleary underwent a shoulder reconstruction in the off-season and missed the first three weeks of Penrith’s 2022 campaign, but the reigning Clive Churchill Medallist will return for Friday night’s grand final replay.
Earlier in the week, Arrow said the Rabbitohs would be sending extra attention Cleary’s way.
“He obviously had a reco in the off-season and missed the first couple of rounds so he hasn’t had some footy under his belt, so we will definitely want to test his shoulder out,” the Origin forward said.
But the older Cleary insisted his son had been feeling match fit “for a while” and would take the pressure in his stride.
“We’re confident Nat can play on it (his shoulder). We feel like we’ve held him back if anything,” Cleary said.
“It’s his first game in a long time, so like everyone, he’ll just be trying to find his groove.
“But we’re confident he’ll be fine.”
The Panthers are the only NRL side undefeated through three rounds, but their coach said they still had room for improvement.
“We’re probably just like everyone else. The first three weeks of the comp, you’re just trying to find your way,” Cleary said.
“Our round 1 game was good, probably too good maybe. The last couple of weeks, like most teams, we’ve done some good things, some really good things, but we’re just trying to find that consistencxjmtzywy throughout the 80 minutes.
“That’s probably the biggest challenge for both teams tomorrow night.”
Cleary’s rival coach Jason Demetriou said he predicted Penrith would throw plenty at his side.
“I expect them to be probably the best they’ve been this week. I have no doubt about that,” the Rabbitohs mastermind said.
“Cleary’s coming back for a reason in this game. We know that they’ll be ready for us when we get there.”
Demetriou said the Rabbitohs were looking forward to testing their stocks against the best in the business.
“It’s a massive challenge,” he said.
“Obviously, it’s a grand final replay so we’re excited. We feel like we’re hitting some form but we’re going to get tested this weekend against the best.
“It’s about recognising the things you did well last week, being happy with that, but upping the levels again this week.”
