Nathan Cleary injury news: Penrith Panthers coach provides positive update on halfback's hamstring issue

Penrith Panthers have been dealt a major blow with Nathan Cleary set to be sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The halfback played a starring role in the grand final rematch victory over Brisbane in Round 3, but the display came at a price with the 26-year-old now set for a stint in the treatment room. 

Nathan Cleary injury news: Ivan Cleary provides positive update on halfback's hamstring issue

Cleary has suffered a small tear in his hamstring as he was taken off in the closing stages of the win over the Broncos. 

MORE: Who will replace Reece Walsh at fullback for the Broncos?

The No.7 was instrumental at the foot of the mountains, finishing with three assists as he tormented Kevin Walters' side once again before getting his early mark with 10 minutes remaining on the clock. 

Cleary has struggled with hamstring injuries in recent years with the No.7 also sidelined last year with a grade two tear.

That injury ruled him out for six weeks which included the final two matches of the State of Origin series for New South Wales.  

However, Ivan Cleary has allayed any fears of a similarly lengthy stint on the sidelines this year for his son and halfback. 

"Injuries come and go, so it’s just one of those things," the coach said. 

"The fact that he had that experience means we cut this one off a bit sooner. Hopefully, it’ll only be a couple of weeks.

"He actually might be able to play next week. With the bye coming up the following week, it’s just going to be a question of seeing how he goes throughout this week, and we’ll make an educated decision next week."

Who is Brad Schneider? Penrith halfback to replace Nathan Cleary

Brad Schneider, who has featured in the NSW Cup since his arrival in the off-season to provide depth in the halves, has been named as Cleary's replacement for their clash against the Roosters in Round 4. 

"Nat seems to have a sabbatical every year, this one’s a bit earlier," Ivan Cleary said. 

"It’s an opportunity for others."

Schneider joined the Panthers in the off-season to cover for the departure of Jack Cogger, who moved to the Knights. 

The 23-year-old started his NRL career with the Canberra Raiders in 2021, making 10 appearances for the Green Machine the following year as he covered for the injured Jamal Fogarty. 

However, he played just one game last year for them before having a short stint with Hull KR in the Super League.

In his 12 NRL matches to date, Schneider has crossed for one try and registered three assists. 

When will Nathan Cleary return?

Cleary is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks with the Panthers scheduled for a bye in Round 6 which will soften the blow. 

He has been ruled out of this week's clash with the Roosters with journalist Danny Weidler stating what Ivan Cleary said on Tuesday. 

LATEST: Nathan Cleary is out of the Roosters game - small tear in his hamstring. He says he is a chance of playing next week - more likely to play after the bye. @9NewsSyd @NRLonNine

— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) March 25, 2024

"It’s not too bad, so that’s the pleasing thing," the coach said.

"He felt the same thing last year before he actually did it properly."

Penrith Panthers upcoming fixtures

Cleary will miss Thursday night’s blockbuster against the Chooks before the Panthers take on Manly Sea Eagles the following week.

The club then has a bye in Round 6, with games against the Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys on the horizon after the break.

Penrith Panthers record without Nathan Cleary

Despite Cleary's importance to the side, the Panthers have coped well with his absence in recent years. 

Since 2022, the halfback has missed 15 matches with Penrith winning 12 of those. 

Last year, he missed five matches with the Panthers winning four of them. 

Meanwhile, they won six games in a row without Cleary in 2022, before losing to the Melbourne Storm. North Queensland then also knocked them off in Round 25.