Hammer blow for NSW as Nathan Cleary ruled out of rest of Origin series after serious hamstring injury
- Halfback forced off the field against St George
- Was in obvious pain and didn’t come back
- Blues must now find a new pivot for the team
NSW needs a new halfback for the next two State of Origin games after Nathan Cleary was ruled out for six weeks with a hamstring injury.
It’s a big blow to the Blues who lost the series opener and need to win the remaining games in Brisbane and Sydney if they want to regain the shield.
Cleary wasn’t at his best in game one, but has a 5-0 record in game twos during his Origin career.
The 25-year-old was visibly upset when he felt his hamstring go in the first half of Penrith’s victory over the Dragons as he tried to chase down to make a tackle.
Cleary was clearly in pain when he was forced off the pitch during Penrith’s victory over the Dragons on Sunday night (pictured)
Cronulla half Nicho Hynes is the favorite to fill in for Cleary in the number 7 jersey as the Blues look to salvage the series against Queensland
He tried to stretch it out but the coach immediately gave up with the halfback forced off the field where he watched the second half with an ice pack on his left leg.
“Scans have shown that the halfback’s rep will be sidelined for six weeks,” the Panthers wrote in a statement.
The news means the Blues will have to make a big change in halves, with reigning Dally M medalist Nicho Hynes the favorite to claim the number 7 jersey as he came off the bench in Adelaide.
“It’s disappointing for him because he loves playing for Penrith, he’s a key factor for us to perform well,” Panthers Lock Isaah Yeo said after the game against the Dragons.
“It’s the same as Origin, it’s disappointing because he worked so hard on his game.
‘That is sometimes footy, you have those bad luck moments.
“But what I do know is that he’ll hit rehab better than anyone.”
Cleary was criticized for his poor play in last Wednesday’s loss to the Blues in the first Origin game – but would have been a sure starter for game two if he was healthy
Cronulla half Nicho Hynes – who only got a few minutes playing time in the loss to the Maroons – is the early favorite to fill Cleary’s shoes at Suncorp Stadium on June 21
Clearly a lost figure on the sidelines at BlueBet Stadium on Sunday and NSW coach Brad Fittler is likely to experience the same feelings as the Blues attempt 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 Penrith’s pivot.
All three have experience within the Blues set-up, with Hynes debuting off the bench in last week’s opening loss in Adelaide.
Cleary’s Penrith and NSW teammate Brian To’o said Hynes could fill the void in Brisbane.
“It’s Clez’s job to show us the way 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.
“Nicho is definitely someone who takes pride in playing footy and he can live up to the jersey and do his job for the team.”
But Blues coach Brad Fittler might look elsewhere, with Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds as another option in the halves, as they’ve played together for so long at Souths and have been in great form for their clubs this year.