Penrith’s million-dollar halfback and captain Nathan Cleary will miss at least the first three rounds of the NRL season.
Cleary continues to recover from off-season shoulder surgery, which he got after guiding the club to their first premiership since 2003.
“With a long and challenging season ahead of us, it’s critical that we give Nathan the time he needs to return at his physical best,” coach Ivan Cleary said.
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“While it’s obviously a difficult decision and of course we would have loved to have him out there, we believe this will ensure Nathan has the best opportunity to play throughout the year at the level he demands of himself.”
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The Panthers confirmed new recruit Sean O’Sullivan will play halfback against the Sea Eagles in the season opener on Thursday night.
He will partner grand final-winning five-eighth Jarome Luai.
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