Nathan Cleary, the elite halfback for NSW, is set to receive a painkilling injection for a hip pointer injury ahead of the second State of Origin match in Melbourne. This injury affected his ability to sit and lie down for three days after the first game. Cleary’s performance in the previous match was remarkable, as he played through significant pain from an injury sustained due to a collision with prop Addin Fonua-Blake.
Nathan Cleary’s Injury and Performance
During the first game of the series, Cleary was injured less than 15 minutes into the match while attempting to tackle Queensland’s Harry Grant. Despite the injury, which allowed Queensland to score shortly after, Cleary remained undeterred. He did not reveal his condition to the NSW medical staff until the halftime break when he requested a needle and a protective pad.
His notable performance included a crucial 40/20 kick and an assist that contributed to the Blues’ 22-20 comeback victory. After the game, Cleary was seen with an ice pack on his hip, celebrating the win with his father, Ivan Cleary, who is also the Penrith coach.
Extent of the Injury
The following day, an MRI revealed that Cleary suffered a significant blow to his iliac crest, coupled with a tear in his abdominal core. His injury was described by Penrith’s chief physio, Pete Green, as being “the size of a soccer ball.” This severe condition placed doubts on his ability to play in the upcoming matches, particularly against the Wests Tigers.
- Injury Details:
- Location: Iliac crest on pelvic bone
- Tear in abdominal muscles
- Bruising extensive and painful
- Recovery Steps:
- Worked with Penrith physiotherapists
- Avoided contact work until a few days prior to the game
- Utilized painkilling injections before matches
Cleary’s Resilience and Leadership
Despite the pain, Cleary confirmed his intention to play on Wednesday night in Melbourne. He expressed gratitude for the support from the medical teams at both NSW and Penrith. Cleary’s ability to perform under duress has earned him respect among his peers and coaching staff.
Addin Fonua-Blake acknowledged Cleary’s toughness, emphasizing that spectators rarely appreciate the level of commitment involved. He remarked on Cleary’s resilience, stating, “Some days you don’t feel 100 percent, but there are no excuses.”
Dr. Nathan Gibbs, who has worked with top players for over 40 years, commended Cleary’s capacity to thrive despite injuries. “One of the qualities the great players have is playing well injured. He certainly does that,” Gibbs noted.
Nathan Cleary remains a shining example of an elite and resilient player in the game, overcoming physical challenges to lead the Blues and his club effectively.
