Shoulder specialist gives Cleary his title shot

Penrith's premiership hopes have received an enormous boost with star halfback Nathan Cleary set to return from his shoulder injury ahead of the finals.

The Panthers believe a period of rehabilitation of four to six weeks, as opposed to surgery, is the best course of action for the Blues No.7, following a visit to a specialist this morning.

Penrith's plan for Cleary means the 23-year-old is on track to return between Round 20 and Round 22.

Cleary dislocated his right shoulder in the 10th minute of NSW's series-winning State of Origin II victory at Suncorp Stadium – but he courageously battled on to finish the game.

There were concerns Cleary would require season-ending surgery, dashing his hopes of leading Penrith to premiership glory after falling short against Melbourne in last year's grand final, but those fears have been allayed.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has named Jarome Luai at halfback and Matt Burton at five-eighth for Friday's clash with the Eels at BlueBet Stadium.

NSW coach Brad Fittler is yet to confirm Cleary's replacement for Origin III, in which Blues will be hunting their first series whitewash since 2000.

While Fittler could drag Canberra weapon Jack Wighton off the bench to play at five-eighth and shift Luai to halfback, there are also the options of hauling Adam Reynolds, Mitchell Moses or Cody Walker into the squad to replace Cleary in the No.7 halfback.

"If I wasn't more than ready by now I'd be kidding myself," Moses said.

"It's completely up to Freddy and what direction he wants to go."

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