Before the Penrith halfback makes his comeback against the Roosters on Friday night, NRL icon Andrew Johns has questioned whether Nathan Cleary is truly as fit as the Panthers have stated. Cleary, who left the field against the Storm clutching at his shoulder, is expected to make his first appearance since NRL round 24.
Although Cleary’s recuperation and level of fitness have been kept under wraps for some time, the halfback was always expected to be ready for the finals matchup with the Roosters, according to coach Ivan Cleary. In addition, supporters are shocked that Cleary, who has been out for three weeks with his shoulder injury, will play with little assistance.
But not everyone accepts the complete news about Cleary’s comeback. Halfback legend Johns believes Penrith is attempting to downplay Cleary’s injuries in order to get to the NRL finals. Angus Crichton made a hint earlier this week that he would be sending some traffic Cleary’s way to welcome the Premiership winner back to the championship game.
Additionally, Johns brought up a scene in which he hinted that Cleary might not be as fit as previously thought in the lead-up to Penrith’s round 26 match against the Rabbitohs. Johns said that Cleary provided two responses regarding his shoulder recuperation prior to the Rabbitohs game. Johns also believes that the Panthers are manipulating the Penrith star’s return with their mind games.
On the “Freddy and The Eighth podcast,” Johns stated, “We interviewed him before the game.” “‘Out of 10, how would you evaluate it?’ I asked him. He stated six off camera and seven on camera. Thus, the range is six to seven. Thus, it’s most likely a five.” Many believe that Cleary’s return is sufficient to give the Panthers an advantage over the Roosters, even if he isn’t at his best.
Brad Fittler calls for Liam Martin to stand up
Even if Cleary isn’t playing at his best, Johns was sure the Panthers would win their matchup against the Roosters. But Roosters legend Brad Fittler said that Liam Martin, the backrower, would be able to assist Cleary.
This week, Roosters forward Crichton hinted that Cleary should anticipate being targeted throughout the match. Regarding his State of Origin colleague, Crichton declared, “I won’t be changing my game at all.” My responsibility is to run at halfbacks and attempt to generate some ruck pace at all times.
Nathan is a tough guy, and he won’t play if he’s not feeling well. Nathan is one of the best halves in the game and among the best players in the competition, so I anticipate him to be playing at his typical defensive peak.”
Fittler hypothesized that Martin might be crucial for the Panthers if they want to win on Friday night and get a week off to go to the NRL preliminary final. “If Liam Martin’s the best player on the field, they win,” Fittler stated.
In the lead-up to the NRL finals, coach Cleary touted Nathan Cleary’s comeback earlier in the week. Coach Cleary stated on Wednesday afternoon that playing him this week had always been the idea. “We always strive to select our best team since the stakes have increased. This week, he’s prepared.
“Everything has gone according to plan; his recuperation has gone pretty well, and he feels really confident. We haven’t really been concerned about him since he hasn’t been playing.
As our main playmaker and one of our captains, he’ll return and maneuver the team around while instilling some confidence and direction in everyone. The victor of the match on Friday night will get a week off.”
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