‘He’s already in there ripping in’: Two-horse race to replace Nathan Cleary as injured star begins rehab work in bid to return for finals

Martin GaborNewsWire
Camera IconThe Panthers have two options to replace Nathan Cleary, with Daine Laurie confirming he won’t switch to the halves. NRL Photos Credit: Supplied

Daine Laurie has already ruled himself out of playing in the halves this weekend, with Panthers coach Ivan Cleary set to choose either Brad Schneider or Jack Cole to replace his injured son.

Laurie’s versatility would make him the perfect option to slot into the six jersey for Saturday’s trip to Canberra, and while he did play eight games at five-eighth for the Wests Tigers last year, he won’t reprise the role this weekend with Nathan Cleary unavailable but hopeful of a return in the finals after he hurt his shoulder against the Storm.

“I don’t know too much. Nath did something to his shoulder which is unfortunate, but I’m playing on the wing this weekend. I’m ready to do my job and what’s best for the team,” Laurie said.

“That’s up to coach (whether I play five-eighth). That’s not up to me, I’ll play wherever the coach wants me to, but that’s on the wing this week.

“I don’t mind, I’ll play anywhere. This team has been the best team for the last four years. Wherever I can slot into the side, I’m happy to do it.”

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Cleary was shattered after coming off late having missed a large chunk of the season with a hamstring injury.

But he’s also started his rehab and is desperate to return to help Penrith win a fourth title in as many years.

“After the game, he (Cleary) was pretty gutted, but he’s already in there ripping in and has started his rehab. He’s in good spirits and can’t wait to get back,” Laurie said.

“He’s the man. I reckon he’s one of the best players I’ve ever seen out of my whole lifetime.

“I haven’t really spoken to him about it. It’s unfortunate that he’s injured because he’s a big asset for this team and has been for however long he’s been playing here.

“(We’ve just got to embrace) that next man up mentality. Whoever is in that position is going to do a good job.”

Laurie is fine but says he was “dazed” after he was hit high by man mountain Nelson Asofa-Solomona last week and is looking forward to running out on the right wing again after Ivan Cleary made a late switch to start him and drop Sunia Turuva to 18th man after superstar Dylan Edwards was cleared to return at fullback.

The early call to keep him on the wing means either Cole or Schneider will start in the halves on Saturday, with Laurie confident both men will handle the role given they’ve performed well when called upon throughout the season.

“They’re young and keen to have a game,” he said.

“Getting stuck behind two deadly players in Romey (Jarome Luai) and Clez (Cleary), they’ll have the next-man-up mentality and will try to do their best for the team.

“We do opposed sessions throughout the week so they get plenty of reps.”

Originally published as ‘He’s already in there ripping in’: Two-horse race to replace Nathan Cleary as injured star begins rehab work in bid to return for finals

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