Penrith Panthers Rest Nathan Cleary Due to Hamstring Concerns

The Penrith Panthers have decided to rest star player Nathan Cleary in their upcoming match against South Sydney due to concerns over his hamstring injury.

Cleary recently returned to the field after recovering from a hamstring issue he sustained in round three, playing in their last game against North Queensland.

After experiencing some tightness post-match, the Panthers have opted to take a cautious approach with Cleary’s recovery, especially with a short turnaround before the South Sydney clash.

Penrith’s challenging schedule, which included a four-day turnaround due to a late arrival back home on Sunday night, has influenced their decision to manage Cleary’s workload carefully this week.

The team has reassured fans that Cleary’s long-term fitness is not a major concern and that he was able to participate in the captain’s run on Wednesday.

As a result of Cleary’s absence, Brad Schneider is set to step into the Panthers’ halves, while Jack Cole will also see an increased role in the match against South Sydney, coming off the bench.

Meanwhile, South Sydney has made changes to their lineup following the recent departure of coach Jason Demetriou, with Jacob Gagai being replaced by Isaiah Tass on the wing and Michael Chee Kam shifting to the centres.

Jai Arrow is slated to start at prop for South Sydney, with Keaon Koloamatangi returning to the second row, and Sean Keppie earning a place on the bench for the upcoming game.