Greg Alexander provides update on Nathan Cleary

Penrith Panthers Deputy Chairman Greg Alexander has clarified the extent of Nathan Cleary's severe leg injury suffered during the preliminary final against the Newcastle Knights. Alexander explained that Cleary broke his fibula and suffered a ruptured syndesmosis rather than a previously reported double fracture. The tibia remained unbroken, although significant pressure forced the ankle bone through the skin before Cleary underwent surgery.

Cleary, who recently won the Dally M Medal, required screws to stabilize the ankle bones following the syndesmosis rupture. The star halfback faced an initial estimated recovery timeline of six months, leaving Penrith's playmaking depth tested ahead of next season alongside an Achilles injury sustained by teammate Blaize Talagi.