NSW and Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary has been ruled out of the second match of State of Origin with a hamstring tear, and is a serious doubt for game three
Injury to sideline playmaker for ‘up to six weeks’, says clubNathan Cleary’s hopes of featuring in this year’sseries are all but over after scans revealed the NSW halfback has suffered a hamstring tear. The Blues No 7 limped out of Penrith’s 26-18 win over St George Illawarra on Sunday, with scans on Monday revealing a grade-two tear to his left hamstring.
The injury is set to sideline the playmaker for “up to six weeks”, according to the Panthers. That diagnosis certainly rules him out of the must-win Game Two in Brisbane on 21 June and leaves him at long odds to feature in Game Three in Sydney on 12 July.“It’s disappointing for him because he loves playing for Penrith, he’s a key factor for us performing well,” Panthers lock Isaah Yeo said after the Dragons’ clash.
Cleary cut a forlorn figure on the sidelines at BlueBet Stadium on Sunday and NSW coach Brad Fittler is likely to be experiencing similar feelings as the Blues bid to save the series in Brisbane. Cronulla’s Nicho Hynes, Parramatta No 7 Mitchell Moses and Brisbane halfback Adam Reynolds are all possible candidates to replace the Penrith man. All three have experience within the Blues set-up, with Hynes debuting off the bench in last week’s series-opening defeat in Adelaide.“Clez’s job is to direct us and tell us where to go,” To’o said. “Whether he plays or not, I’m sure whoever steps up will get the job done.
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