Panthers fans might be forced to wait a little longer to see Nathan Cleary in action, with the Penrith halfback reportedly suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Cleary hasn’t played for the last two weeks and was thought to be targeting the round seven clash with Wests Tigers after the Panthers’ bye this weekend.
But the Sydney Morning Herald reported on Thursday that Cleary is now racing the clock to be fit for the Tigers game.
The Panthers co-captain’s recovery is said to be taking longer than the club expected, but Penrith have moved to stress that he hasn’t aggravated the injury.
The Panthers are unlikely to rush Cleary back sooner than necessary, and the Tigers game looms as one they can afford their halfback to miss.
The Panthers have beaten the Roosters in Cleary’s absence, but were thrashed by the Sea Eagles last weekend.
The three-time defending premiers will take on the Cowboys in round eight, which looms as Cleary’s more likely return date.
