Penrith have taken unusual measures to shield their training sessions from public view as questions continue to swirl around Nathan Cleary's fitness.
The Panthers have used black tarpaulins and fencing to conceal their preparations ahead of Sunday's grand final qualifier against the Newcastle Knights, despite Cleary being confirmed to take his place in the side.
The move comes after the Panthers captain suffered a foot injury against the Sydney Roosters two weeks ago, with the club initially describing the issue as a stress-related bone problem in his right foot, his kicking foot.
However, Nine has since revealed there could be more to the injury than the Panthers have publicly disclosed, with sources indicating Cleary may actually have a broken bone in his foot.
“He's not good, but he's a tough kid and will just ride it out,” a Panthers source told Nine.
It is understood Cleary will not take conversion attempts on Sunday, while his kicking duties are also expected to be limited.
That could prove significant for the Panthers given just how important Cleary's kicking game is to their attack.
The star halfback has averaged 513 kicking metres per game throughout the 2026 season while also converting at an impressive 85 per cent success rate.
Dylan Edwards is expected to take over conversion duties against the Knights, only having kicked once this year. Paul Alamoti has taken up conversion duties in the past but is unavailable due to injury.
There has also been another intriguing selection twist in the halves, with Jack Cole named to partner Cleary rather than Jack Cogger.
Cogger will instead wear the number 14 jersey after returning from a three-game suspension, while Freddy Lussick has been named in the reserves with Mitch Kenny starting at hooker.
Cole has made just five appearances for Penrith this season, starting all five matches. He has averaged 125 kicking metres per game while playing between 70 and 80 minutes.
Cogger, meanwhile, has featured 16 times for the Panthers this year, including six starts.
In those starting appearances, he has averaged 203 kicking metres per game, also playing between 70 and 80 minutes.
While the decision to retain Cole is not completely unusual given their victory against the Roosters in Week 1, it will be interesting to see if he can take over kicking duties or whether the Panthers change their attack and kicking tactics altogether.
Another key question is who will take up field goal responsibilities if neck and neck?
Cole has never kicked a field goal in his career, while Cogger has only kicked 3.
With Penrith now preparing for a high-stakes clash against the Knights, the unusual secrecy has only added to the intrigue surrounding Cleary's condition and what the premiers have planned for Sunday.
