Penrith Panthers captain Isaah Yeo could make a surprise return from a pectoral injury before the finals, with Ivan Cleary confirming the star lock is a genuine chance of featuring against the Wests Tigers on Sunday.
Yeo suffered the injury during the first half of Penrith's 28-12 loss to the Warriors in New Zealand and has not played since Round 23.
The injury initially cast serious doubt over the Panthers' premiership hopes, with fears Yeo's season could be over.
However, the 30-year-old did not require surgery and has made significant progress in his recovery, earning a place on Penrith's extended bench for Sunday's clash.
“It's definitely a chance”, Cleary admitted on the prospect of Isaah Yeo playing.
“We have to get through the next couple of days, but it has been a pretty good process so far in terms of trying to get him back and being able to play.
“To this point, everything has been going ok; just have to get through the next couple of days.”
Cleary admitted Yeo's recovery had been remarkable given the nature of the injury and the initial concerns surrounding his availability.
“It's quite extraordinary at this point,” Cleary said of Yeo's recovery.
“Our culture has been built on many things, and being resilient is one of those things.
“Just over the years, guys have found their way to get themselves back on the field, so this could be another one of those stories, but as I said, he still needs to get through a couple things.”
With the Panthers now approaching the finals, Cleary was asked whether bringing Yeo at the chance of re-injury before this pivotal time was a risk.
“We are in the risk business,” Cleary responded.
“I think it's fair to say we wouldn't have even bothered with a lot of players based on their experience and age.
“Every situation is different, and this is the path we have taken, and the main thing is Yeo was always on board with it and at any stage he wasn't, we would have pulled it.”
Yeo's potential return would provide a significant boost for Penrith as they look to secure the minor premiership.
If both Panthers and the Warriors win their games this weekend, the team with the greater point difference will be victorious; the Warriors are currently ahead by only one point.
