Nathan Cleary didn't last eight minutes in Penrith's grand final rematch with the Storm after an awkward collision ruled him out for the match.
The Panthers halfback collided with his rival no.7 Jahrome Hughes after Melbourne had made a break down the right-hand side.
Ryan Papenhuyzen kicked ahead before Hughes and Cleary challenged for the ball. However, Jack Cole managed to get to it first before Cleary turned his back to Hughes and was upended awkwardly.
LIVE: Thursday night football updates, Storm vs Panthers
READ MORE: 'Hell of a player': All Blacks coach fans Ponga flames
READ MORE: Rot to continue as 'bad situation' festers despite axing
The impact of Cleary's head on the turf resulted in a knock out.
"He looks awful," Andrew Johns said on Nine.
"He didn't move for 10 or 15 seconds."
Commentator Mat Thompson added: "He looks dazed."
Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
The replays led to booing on the field although nothing appeared to be sinister about the incident.
Cleary was then ruled out after he left the field, suffering from category one concussion symptoms.
Mid-way through the first half, vision then showed Cleary in the sheds as his strapping was removed.
"He'd be still be in Disneyland going through what happened … it's all a blur," Johns said.
As per the compulsory 11-day stand down period, Cleary will miss the Panthers' round four match against the Rabbitohs.
Post-match, coach Ivan Cleary said the halfback "seems OK" and remembers the incident.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.