Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed a significant addition to the Panthers’ active roster ahead of their highly anticipated 2025 NRL season opener in Las Vegas. This boost comes as Penrith prepares to face the Cronulla Sharks, with halfback Nathan Cleary expected to lead the team despite recent concerns over his shoulder surgery.
Nathan Cleary Expected to Be Fit for Las Vegas Opener
Nathan Cleary, Penrith’s star halfback, is anticipated to be fit and available for the team’s season opener in Las Vegas. His shoulder surgery, originally scheduled for earlier in the off-season, was delayed as he spent time overseas with his partner, Australian soccer star Mary Fowler. The couple recently shared snapshots of their scenic hiking adventures in Switzerland, but Cleary is now preparing to return to Australia for surgery in early November.
While the delay in his Latarjet procedure has raised some concerns, Panthers officials remain confident that Cleary will be fully recovered and ready for the Las Vegas clash. The recovery from the surgery typically takes three months, which would give Cleary just enough time to return to training in January, initially participating in non-contact drills.
This isn’t the first time Cleary has undergone the Latarjet procedure, having had the same surgery before the 2022 season. However, Panthers insiders have stated that the current situation is not as severe as it was in 2021, meaning Cleary should be ready for the first round without any major setbacks.
Changes in the Halves
Cleary’s preparation for the new season will be particularly important given the changes in the Panthers’ halves combination. With his longtime partner Jarome Luai heading to the Wests Tigers for the 2025 season, Cleary is expected to link up with either young gun Jack Cole or new recruit Blaize Talagi from Parramatta. The limited time Cleary will have to train with his new halves partner could pose a challenge, but his leadership and skill should help ease the transition.
Nathan Cleary’s Plea for World Club Challenge Rejected
In other news, Nathan Cleary had called for the 2025 World Club Challenge to be moved to Magic Round due to concerns over player fatigue following a long season and the international travel required for the Las Vegas opener. However, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo confirmed that the 2025 edition of the fixture is unlikely to go ahead, citing the difficulty of scheduling and the Panthers’ concerns about the toll on their players.
Abdo also mentioned that while the World Club Challenge is not completely off the table, the 2025 edition is “very challenging” to execute. The NRL is now turning its attention to planning the 2026 event, with discussions on how to better manage the timing and format of the competition.
As the Panthers gear up for their historic Las Vegas opener, all eyes will be on Nathan Cleary and the team’s new look, as they aim for another strong NRL season following their fourth premiership victory.
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