Nathan Cleary wants everybody to relax about his much-hyped hamstring and is grateful the time out from the game has allowed him to freshen up mentally on the eve of the State of Origin series.
Panthers fans – and NSW supporters – were entitled to feel concerned when Cleary was a late withdrawal against South Sydney on Thursday night. He had been back for just one game, against the Cowboys in Townsville, when he was rested again.
Coach Ivan Cleary explained after the 42-12 win over the Rabbitohs that the short turnaround following a tough game in humid conditions was the simple reason the club played it safe with his son.
Nathan told this masthead he trained well on Friday and would be a definite starter against the Bulldogs this Friday.
With only three rounds until the first NSW team is picked – and with back-up Blues No.7 options Mitchell Moses (foot) and now Adam Reynolds (biceps) out of action – Cleary could appreciate the extra attention on his fitness.
“We thought it was best not to risk it this early in the season, and because of the short turnaround, but I’m fine, and I trained Friday,” Cleary said.
Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary.Credit: NRL Photos
“I’ve done all the work and rehab. You could go into every game worrying about getting injured, and it’s a contact sport, but the hamstring is definitely not on my mind.
“You always have to look at the positives when you’re not playing, and what it has done is allowed me to feel mentally fresh. You get to see the game from a different perspective. I’m definitely ready to get back and play some good footy.”
