Panthers superstars Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai have revealed the extent of the injuries they suffered on their way to a historic treble.
Luai underwent surgery on Monday as he had surgery to repair the left shoulder he dislocated the night before the final.
The 26-year-old returned two weeks earlier than expected to play in the preliminary final, but only lasted 52 minutes in the final.
It was at this point that Cleary replaced his absence to deliver one of the most extraordinary final performances of all time.
physiotherapist Brien Seeney, known as NRL Physio on social media, believes Luai will be back in time for the first round of the 2024 season, which is set to become the last five of eight at Penrith amid significant offers from rivals .
“Shoulder reconstruction surgery performed for Jarome Luai – 5 months until first round 2024 and overall recovery time is 3-5 months.. Chances are he will be ready to play next season,” Seeney posted.
Luai, who will enter the open market on November 1 to offer incentives for 2025 and beyond, posted a photo from the hospital with his daughter, Akira.
Injury prevented Samoa star Luai from participating in the inaugural Pacific Championship and saw his country lose the World Cup final rematch against Australia in Townsville last Saturday night.
Cleary also posted a photo on social media of the dislocated finger that threatened to derail the Panthers’ season ahead of the preliminary final.
Cleary’s right ring finger was injured after being hit by a foul football in training, but he played and Penrith comfortably beat rivals Melbourne to a fourth consecutive place in the Premier League.. Final match.
The 25-year-old then took charge in the final and had the best final 20 minutes of any player in history as the Panthers rallied from a 24-8 deficit to win 26 – 24 until death..
