- Nathan Cleary’s shoulder has been a major topic of conversation
- Will be targeted by Melbourne players in the grand final
- One medical expert stated that painkillers are not the answer
A leading sports physiotherapist has declared that footy superstar Nathan Cleary’s shoulder could easily ‘pop out’ during the NRL grand final – and painkilling injections are no secret cure.
The 26-year-old Panthers halfback is sure to be a target for Melbourne Storm attackers when he is in the defensive line after appearing to aggravate the injury in the preliminary final win against Cronulla.
Cleary has been training all week, but only Panthers insiders know the true extent of his complaint.
Brien Seeney – better known as the NRL Physio on
“On a serious note, Hoops’ pain-relieving injection suggestion for Nathan Cleary’s shoulder isn’t going to help much,” he says. tweeted in response to an opinion by journalist James Hooper on NRL 360 earlier this week.
‘Pain is not the problem, it’s about stability. If you stick it with a needle, it can’t pop out again.’
Cleary has suffered from recurring problems with his shoulder all season. He first missed three weeks of full-contact training in January.
He then went down injured in round 24 after a controversial tackle from Storm lock Josh King – and returned for the final.
A leading sports physiotherapist has declared that footy superstar Nathan Cleary’s (pictured) shoulder could ‘pop out again’ during the NRL grand final – and painkilling injections are no secret cure
Brien Seeney – better known as the NRL Physio on
The Panthers halfback, 26, will certainly be the target of Melbourne Storm attackers when he is in the defensive line after appearing to aggravate the injury in the preliminary final win against Cronulla (pictured, with girlfriend Mary Fowler)
The 26-year-old also had surgery on his right shoulder in 2021.
Suzi Edwards, a sports scientist and associate professor of health sciences at the University of Sydney, expects the halfback to grit his teeth and push through the pain given what is at stake.
“When you have injuries, you can learn adaptation strategies to adjust your game and the way you play on the field to make sure you don’t put yourself in those high-risk injury positions,” she told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“The best plan of attack is actually planning what you can control.”
Meanwhile, NSW Blues doctor Nathan Gibbs warned a worsening of his shoulder injury is an outcome Cleary must be prepared for.
“If it’s hit the wrong way with enough force, there will be a subluxation that will hurt,” he said.
“I know Nathan, and he’s pretty tough. He plays well injured. Some players do, some players don’t – and he certainly does that.’