“I’AM LEAVING” NRL Stand-off Jarome Luai has announced that he is leaving the Penrith Panthers due to…..

Nathan Cleary appeared to re-injure his hamstring on Friday night against the Bulldogs.

He exited the BlueBet Stadium field just before half-time and did not return.

The Panthers star has been dealing with a hamstring problem already this season, missing Rounds 4-7 before also sitting out last week as a precaution.

The Panthers star has been dealing with a hamstring problem already this season, missing Rounds 4-7 before also sitting out last week as a precaution.

The news isn’t good for the Penrith and New South Wales star.

Penrith on Sunday confirmed scans

had revealed a grade two tear for the halfback, ruling him out for around eight weeks.

That would most likely see him miss the entire State of Origin series, as well as a significant chunk of club football for the Panthers.

NRL Physio also believes the star halfback’s recovery will be “tricky” due to the sensitive nature of a re-injury.

In the games Cleary has missed so far in 2024, Brad Schneider has stepped in at halfback.

However, he also suffered a leg injury in the NSW Cup before Friday night’s NRL clash and is in doubt for Round 11.

With no other specialist halfbacks in the side, there could be a shift in the halves.

Jack Cole may come in at five-eighth with Jarome Luai stepping into the No. 7 jersey.

If Cleary’s injury is confirmed by Penrith, it could impact his State of Origin selection chances.

Game 1 is less than one month away, and Michael Maguire is expected to announced his NSW side in the coming weeks .

Cleary would usually be one of the first names on the team sheet, so missing the opener will be a significant blow to the Blues.

Even if he is back playing in time for Game 3 on July 17, Maguire is unlikely to risk throwing in an underdone playmaker.