Panthers studs Luai and Cleary finally reveal the depth of devastating Grand Final injuries.
Panthers players Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai have disclosed the depth of the injuries they fought in completing a historic three-peat.
Luai underwent surgery on Monday to repair the left shoulder that he dislocated on the eve of finals.
The 26-year-old returned two weeks ahead of schedule to compete in the preliminary final, but lasted only 52 minutes in the final.
That’s when Cleary stepped in to provide one of the most memorable grand final performances of all time.
Physiotherapist Brien Seeney, also known as NRL Physio on social media, believes Luai will return in time for Round 1 of the 2024 season, which is shaping up to be the five-eighth’s final at Penrith due to big-money offers from competitors.
“Shoulder reconstruction surgery performed for Jarome Luai – 5 months until Round 1 2024, with a general recovery time of 3-5 months.” “There is a good chance he will be available to start next season,” Seeney wrote.
Luai, who will enter the open market on November 1 to field offers for 2025 and beyond, shared a selfie from the hospital with his daughter, Akira.
The injury forced Samoa star Luai to miss the inaugural Pacific Championships and watch from home as his country lost the World Cup final rematch with Australia in Townsville on Saturday night.
Cleary also shared a photo on social media of the dislocated finger that threatened to end the Panthers’ season on the eve of the preliminary final.
Cleary’s right ring finger was damaged during training when it was hit by a wayward football, but he played, and Penrith easily defeated rivals Melbourne to secure their fourth consecutive grand final berth.
The 25-year-old then strapped the finger for the grand final and delivered the best final 20 minutes of any player in history, helping the Panthers overcome a 24-8 deficit to win 26-24 at the end.
