Nathan Cleary has assured fans, saying, “Thank you so much to everyone that has reached out, the support has been unbelievable,” in a social media update from his hospital bed following emergency surgery for a severe ankle injury.
The Penrith star was taken to the hospital during his team’s season-ending 22-14 defeat against Newcastle on Sunday, where he sustained a compound fracture along with an ankle dislocation.
Judiciary Referral for Crossland
Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland has been referred directly to the judiciary regarding the tackle that caused Cleary’s injury, which is likely to sideline him for the grand final.
Successful Surgery and Future Plans
In an Instagram post on Monday, Cleary confirmed that he had successfully undergone surgery on his left foot.
“Yesterday sucked but it’s all part of the journey and it’s made me even more grateful for the people I have around me. I’ll be back.” Cleary wrote.
“It was really difficult to watch,”
Cleary will require an additional surgery on his right foot, as Penrith disclosed that he had fractured a bone in that foot during the finals win against Sydney Roosters in week one.
Dally M Ceremony Absence
Due to these injuries, Cleary will not be able to attend the Dally M ceremony on Wednesday night at Barangaroo, where he is anticipated to win the prestigious medal.
The Dally M medal is the only accolade that has eluded Cleary throughout his remarkable career, but he is a strong favorite for this year’s award.
The two-time Clive Churchill medalist had a significant lead at the top of the leaderboard when voting was concluded after round 12.
Following the severity of his injury, one official from Penrith likened it to a gunshot wound when discussing Cleary’s condition after he was taken off the field on a stretcher.
“I’m sending out all my love to him and his recovery process. I hope it goes really smoothly. “I watch it through the lens sometimes as a dad, and watching his dad up in the coach’s box, I just could not believe how he would be able to sit there, compose himself, and coach a side when his son has just had a pretty rough injury.” said Sydney Roosters veteran Daly Cherry-Evans on Monday. “I don’t know if I’ll be available yet, I’ll have to talk to the club as well because it will affect the start of next season if I was to prolong it,”
Cherry-Evans also remarked, “That’s a conversation for probably later on next week with Ivan and the staff.”
Cleary’s injury underscores the extent of damage required to remove a key player from Penrith’s lineup during a crucial match.
Dylan Edwards also sustained an injury, suffering a suspected PCL rupture in the first half of Sunday’s loss, yet he continued to play.
Edwards is now uncertain for the upcoming World Cup, as fellow fullback Reece Walsh also faces a race against time to be fit for Australia’s tournament opener against New Zealand on October 15.
Additionally, Blaize Talagi ruptured his achilles tendon during the second half, and Australia captain Isaah Yeo has admitted he may also have to withdraw from the World Cup.
Yeo had postponed surgery on a ruptured pectoral muscle to participate in the Panthers’ finals series, but he still needs to undergo the procedure.
“I don’t know if I’ll be available yet, I’ll have to talk to the club as well because it will affect the start of next season if I was to prolong it,” Yeo stated.
“That’s a conversation for probably later on next week with Ivan and the staff.”
