Penrith’s bid for a historic fourth consecutive NRL premiership took a significant hit on Thursday night after star halfback Nathan Cleary injured his left shoulder during a narrow 24-22 defeat to the Melbourne Storm at BlueBet Stadium.

The injury occurred with the scores locked at 22-22 in the final 15 minutes of the match, following a heavy tackle from Storm forward Trent Loiero. Cleary immediately clutched his shoulder and was later seen with his arm in a sling as he watched the remainder of the game from the sheds.

The loss of Cleary is a major blow to the Panthers, who have come to rely on the 26-year-old’s playmaking abilities during their unprecedented premiership run. Cleary has had a history of injury setbacks throughout his career, including a recent two-month absence due to a hamstring injury and a right shoulder injury in 2021. However, the prospect of facing the finals without their key playmaker presents a new and significant challenge for Penrith.

Without Cleary on the field, the Panthers struggled to find the finishing touch. Melbourne’s Nick Meaney kicked a crucial penalty goal with eight minutes remaining, capitalizing on a late hit by Panthers prop James Fisher-Harris on Jahrome Hughes. In a last-ditch effort, Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards attempted a two-point field goal just before the final siren, but his attempt fell short, allowing the Storm to hold on for a crucial victory.

Cleary had been having an unusually quiet game before his injury, a sharp contrast to his outstanding performances since returning from injury last month, which had helped solidify Penrith’s status as premiership favorites. Now, with Cleary’s availability for the finals in doubt, the Panthers may need to rely on Daine Laurie or Jack Cole to step into the halves alongside Jarome Luai, a move that would undoubtedly change the dynamic of their attack.

The result was a significant one for Melbourne, who moved two wins clear atop the NRL ladder, virtually securing the minor premiership with just three rounds remaining in the regular season. However, the Storm’s victory may come at a cost, as prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona faces a potential suspension after being sin-binned for a high tackle on Laurie, a hit that also left teammate Cameron Munster with a bloodied face.

Even with Cleary in the lineup, the Panthers appeared far from their best, surrendering a double-digit lead for the third time in five games. They fell behind 10-0 early in the match, with Cleary conceding a shoulder charge penalty that allowed Melbourne to extend their lead to two tries through Eliesa Katoa. The star halfback also mishandled a pass as Penrith chased their first points of the game.

Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo was a standout performer, helping his side to their first try by drawing Munster in and setting up Lindsay Smith. Yeo was also instrumental in putting the Panthers ahead for the first time in the match, with a break down the left edge that led to Dylan Edwards crossing the line in the second half.

Penrith seemed to be in control after Casey McLean scored just minutes after Asofa-Solomona was sin-binned, with Munster also off the field for a head injury assessment. However, Melbourne’s Tyran Wishart broke through the Panthers’ defense to level the scores with 20 minutes to play, setting the stage for Meaney’s match-winning penalty goal.

As the Panthers regroup and assess the extent of Cleary’s injury, the team faces an uphill battle to maintain their premiership momentum. The loss to Melbourne not only raises questions about their title defense but also about how they will adapt without their star playmaker as the finals approach.

Subheader: Panthers’ Injury Woes Continue

Nathan Cleary’s injury is the latest in a series of setbacks for Penrith, who have endured a challenging season despite their lofty ambitions. The loss of their star halfback could not come at a worse time, with the finals just around the corner and the team already grappling with inconsistent form.

Subheader: Melbourne Eyes Minor Premiership

For Melbourne, the victory all but guarantees them the minor premiership, putting them in prime position for the upcoming finals. However, the potential suspension of Nelson Asofa-Solomona could impact their preparations as they look to solidify their status as the league’s top team.

As both teams look ahead to the remainder of the season, Thursday night’s clash could prove to be a turning point—one that reshapes the trajectory of the NRL premiership race.