The Panthers skipper has refused to rule out representing Australia after making a stunning return from a serious pectoral injury
Penrith Panthers co-captain and Kangaroos Captain Isaah Yeo remains hopeful about his chances of representing Australia at the Rugby League World Cup despite needing surgery on his pectoral injury.
Yeo made a remarkable comeback after many thought the star would be ruled out for weeks after he suffered a pectoral injury in their Warriors clash in Round 23. Now, the Kangaroos captain is hoping to push the required surgery till after the World Cup in October.
The Penrith co-captain's season was in doubt after his injury, and the severity of the injury was significant, but the recovery will be instrumental for both Penrith and the Kangaroos.
Penrith's medical team and Yeo took an unconventional approach to the recovery that made it possible for the lock to return to the field.
After meeting with surgeon Dr Al Young, Yeo was given four weeks to evaluate how the injury remained before making a decision on when he would receive surgery.
The veteran seized the opportunity, making his return in Round 27, just four weeks after suffering the injury. Yeo admitted he had doubts about returning to the field and how he would hold up. However, after making his return, Yeo was confident about being included in the finals campaign for Penrith.
“Talking to the surgeon to get it all booked, he said we have a four-week window to see how it settles down,” Yeo said, speaking with NRL.com,
“I thought it would be mad not to. It already feels like it was up in flames, so why would you not give yourself a chance?”
Yeo underwent fitness tests before his return against the West Tigers in Round 27 and ticked every box needed.
The lock expressed that there were nerves heading into his return, saying the match was significant in ensuring he would not be returning for the first time in a finals atmosphere.
“I was a bit nervous before the Tigers game because I didn't want to go out and let anyone down,” Yeo said.
“That's why I played that game, because I didn't want to do that in a semi and cruel us with a sub.
“Off the back of that, I felt a lot better going into the finals.”
As Penrith prepare to face off against the red-hot Newcastle Knights in Sunday's preliminary final, Yeo's main focus is to continue to help Penrith reach another grand final.
If Penrith find their way back to another grand final, Yeo will have to make a decision regarding his fitness and whether he can further delay his surgery.
Representing Australia on home soil is an important factor in his decision as he would relish the opportunity to wear the green and gold.
“I'd like to think not,” Yeo said when asked about whether he would miss the World Cup.
“If I'm playing well enough form-wise, and I get the green light from the club that I can delay the op, that would be in their hands because it might affect the start of next year.
“In terms of how it's feeling, it's not a pain thing. If I feel like I'm in good enough form and I can go and contribute for my country, there's no higher honour.
“I've had a couple of open and honest conversations with (coach Kevin Walters). I'll make a call hopefully in two weeks' time.”
The World Cup squad will be picked the day after the NRL grand final.
