Cleary closes in on return after shoulder workout

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Cleary closes in on return after shoulder workout

Jarome Luai has labelled Nathan Cleary’s ability to ice big moments like a super-hero trait, as the Penrith halfback closes in on a finals return.

Cleary on Monday got through the most physical testing on his left shoulder since injuring it three-and-a-half weeks ago, with several NSW Cup forwards running at the star No.7.

Cleary will complete another opposed session later in the week, before he is given the green light to face the Sydney Roosters in Friday night’s qualifying final.

Panthers players expect Cleary to play, with second-rower Liam Martin believing the 26-year-old’s toughness is one of his most underrated features.

The other is his ice-man status.

Cleary kicked a match-winning field goal against the Dolphins the last time he returned from injury, as part of a magical five-week run in July and August.

And Penrith players believe just his presence on the field will give them a significant boost, as he and Luai begin their final month together.

“He brings this aura and he has this type of feeling that if the game goes down to the wire, we’re a big chance of winning because he’s there,” Luai said.

“If we’re behind on the scoreboard on any situation, we’re always going to be in the game (because of him).

“It’s a pretty cool superpower to have. That’s what he brings to this team – the belief.”

Luai himself played through last year’s finals series with a shoulder injury, before eventually succumbing to it in the second half of the grand final.

He was given the same working over from reserve grade players before his return, and said it was crucial in mentally convincing himself he was ready.

“A lot of the Cup boys were lining up to run at me, and they’re big boys as well, so I don’t think I could have had any better practice,” Luai said.

“Once I got through that, I knew I was sweet.

“It’s more a mental challenge than a physical one, because once you do the reps here and you feel good, then you feel sweet on the weekend.”

Luai’s comments came as Martin insisted he would not need to act as a bodyguard for Cleary, despite anticipating Angus Crichton would line him up on Friday.

Crichton made a point of targeting a fit Daly Cherry-Evans in the State of Origin decider, and would be expected to continually run at Cleary’s shoulder at BlueBet Stadium.

“If he is back it wouldn’t surprise me if big Gus is flying into him,” Martin said.

“I’ll be there to help (but) he doesn’t need it, he reckons he’s my bodyguard. He’ll be fine.

“I’d like to call him soft but no, he’s as tough as they come.

“That grand final just demonstrates that he has that will power to win and it’s pretty inspiring for the rest of us.”

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