Penrith Panthers Star Nathan Cleary Suffers Season-Ending Ankle Injury
Cleary's campaign cut short by a compound fracture sustained during a tackle in the NRL preliminary final.
Penrith Panthers player Nathan Cleary's season has concluded after he sustained a serious compound fracture to his ankle during the NRL preliminary final match against the Newcastle Knights. The injury occurred in the 36th minute of the game, leading to Cleary being stretchered off Accor Stadium.
Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland was sent off for the hip-drop tackle that resulted in Cleary's injury. Referee Gerard Sutton issued the red card, stating that Crossland's action involved twisting and coming down on the leg with weight, creating an extreme risk of serious injury.
Cleary had already been managing a bone issue in his right foot and was initially scheduled to come off the bench. He entered the game in the 25th minute, but the ankle injury now eclipses his previous concern.
The loss of Cleary is a significant blow to the Penrith Panthers' premiership aspirations. Officials identified the injury as a compound fracture of the left ankle. The severity of the injury is also expected to rule him out of the upcoming World Cup.