League legend Andrew Johns doesn’t believe the Penrith Panthers will get far without Nathan Cleary, calling the reigning premiers “one-paced” without their star No.7.
Penrith’s premiership defence has been dealt an early blow after it was confirmed Cleary would be sidelined for the first three weeks of the season as he recovers from off-season shoulder surgery.
The Panthers have benefited enormously from the halves combination between Cleary and Jarome Luai over the past few seasons, with the team amassing a 39-3 record in 42 games where the duo have donned the No.6 and No.7 jerseys.
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However, if Cleary’s absence extends beyond the opening three weeks, Johns believes the Panthers could find themselves in some strife.
“They’re a different team without Nathan,” he told Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and The Eighth.
“In horse racing terms, I think they’re one-paced without Nathan. They lack creativity and the kicking game – Sean O’Sullivan’s kicking game is up there – but Nathan just controls it so well.”
O’Sullivan has been named in the No.7 jersey to partner Jarome Luai in the halves when Penrith kicks its 2022 campaign off against the Manly Sea Eagles on Thursday night.
Cleary’s absence comes after Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo had previously expressed optimism that he’d be right to line up against the Sea Eagles.
“He’s the ultimate professional, if he wasn’t like that he wouldn’t have played for us at the back end of the year last year, he does everything right and ticks every box,” Yeo told 2GB’s Wide World of Sports Radio.
Cleary’s halves partner Luai admitted he and his teammates were caught off-guard by the news that the star No.7 would miss the first portion of the season.
“It’s come as a surprise to the playing group but obviously Nath and the physios have made the best call for him and the longevity for the year,” Luai said on Tuesday.
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“Nath’s a professional and is probably the most diligent guys I’ve ever met. He was going to do everything he could’ve done to get out there in round one.
“We’re going to have to move forward now for these first couple of rounds and do our best to get the job done without him.”