PANTHERS STAR CLEARY LIKELY TO MISS REST OF STATE OF ORIGIN SERIES DUE TO INJURY

Penrith Panthers and New South Wales have been dealt a significant blow, with confirmation linchpin half Nathan Cleary will be sidelined for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.

Cleary sustained the injury during the Panthers' win over St George Dragons on Sunday and was visibly distressed as he left the field, clutching at his leg. 

Immediately after the game, coach Ivan Cleary predicted a lengthy absence for his son and star player. 

On Monday, those fears were justified, with the injury expected to rule Cleary out for the final two games of the State of Origin series.

He suffered the injury playing just four days after his Blues lost game one of the series 26-18 at Adelaide Oval.

Game two will be played at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on June 21, with the third and final match scheduled for July 12 at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

Cronulla Sharks' Nicho Hynes will be the likely candidate to replace Cleary, with game-two victory essential to keep NSW alive in the series.

Cleary’s replacement for the Round 15 match against Sydney Roosters will be announced when coach Cleary names his squad on Tuesday.

2023-06-04T23:50:32Z dg43tfdfdgfd