Penrith Panthers star halfback Nathan Cleary will play through the pain barrier this weekend against the Newcastle Knights as he pushes to win a fifth premiership at the foot of the mouintains, but his chances of playing in the World Cup appear slim.
That tournament, which starts just ten days after the grand final, will see head coach Kevin Walters name a squad the day after the NRL decider.
Cleary would have been a walk-up inclusion for the Kangaroos had he been fit, but he suffered a stress related bone issue in his foot during the Panthers' qualifying final against the Sydney Roosters a fortnight ago.
The week off means he will be able to play against the Knights - a surprise preliminary final opponent - on Sunday at Homebush, but he may not be available for the World Cup, with Kevin Walters admitting to News Corp that there is a chance Cleary won't play.
“Yes, there's a chance that Nathan could (be out of the World Cup),” Walters said.
“I guess we have to wait and see how he pulls up.
“Nathan has been named to play this weekend and we'll see how he goes after that.
“If the Panthers get through to the grand final, then I will play it by ear on how Nathan's injury is.
“Obviously if he's fit, he'll be picked for the World Cup, but there's a question mark over whether he'll be fit or not.”
If Cleary is ruled out, it's believed Sam Walker will come into the side after impressing for Queensland during the State of Origin series, but Mitchell Moses, who is also eligible for Lebanon, is also an option.
Cleary isn't the only Panthers player with a fitness status up in the air, with Isaah Yeo also under a cloud as he plays through a ruprtured pectoral muscle.
The lock forward and NSW Blues captain claimed this week that he wants to play in the tournament, but that would require a delay of the inevitable surgery he needs before the start of the 2027 campaign - something his club may not be thrilled with.
