‘Bigger than that’: Cleary evasive as injury concerns probed

Nathan Cleary is not giving anything away about his physical condition ahead of the premiership decider against Melbourne.
The Penrith halfback failed to finish the club’s preliminary final victory over Cronulla due to concerns around his shoulder, which he appeared to reaggravate late in the match.
There has been no suggestion the 26-year-old will be sidelined for the grand final, but concern still lingers as to the severity of the injuries he carries.
READ MORE: Broncos confirm Madge signing after quitting Blues
READ MORE: Storm star’s ban prompts grim Gus prediction
READ MORE: ‘One of the greatest’ in NBA history dies of brain cancer
Cleary was limited to just 12 matches this season due to hamstring and shoulder injuries, taking to the field in the preliminary final with heavy strapping.
Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo of the Panthers. Getty
League great Phil Gould revealed there had been suggestions the halfback may have “broken his hand” at training, but the star refused to comment on the matter.
“I’m going very well,” Cleary told Nine’s Today on Tuesday morning.
“It has been a frustrating up and down year but at the end of the day we are lucky enough to be in our fifth grand final in a row.
“We are very grateful to be in this position. We’ve got one more game to go so I’m going to give it my all and I know all the boys are feeling that way too.”
When asked by host Sarah Abo for a second time about the signs of injury against the Sharks, Cleary replied: “I think it’s bigger than that. It’s about turning up for your teammates.”
“At the end of the day, the outside noise doesn’t come into my head too much,” he continued.
“It’s just about putting my best foot forward on the day and trying to play my best to essentially get a win and share success with my teammates.”
Watch the 2024 NRL grand final live and free on Nine and 9Now. 
The fresh concern followed coach and father, Ivan’s, confirmation ahead of the Cronulla clash that his son will “highly likely” require surgery on his shoulder in the off-season.
But the three-time premiership winner has continued to play without the help of painkilling injections, with medical experts suggesting his shoulder is a “ticking time bomb”.
But Cleary believes doubters have “blown out of proportion” the severity of his injury.
“No, the hand’s actually all good,” he laughed.
Nathan and Ivan Cleary holding the premiership trophy. Getty
While the focus remains on his troubled shoulder, the halfback only has eyes to extend Penrith’s reign over the competition.
“If we play the way we want to, we know that we will be able to get the job done,” Cleary said.
“It’s going to be about putting processes in place to get that done on the day.
“What they’ve (the Storm) been able to do over a long period of time is nothing short of impressive. They are a star studded team led by Craig Bellamy.
“To be that consistent for so long is not easy to do. It’s going to be a great challenge for us, we are looking forward to it.”