Nathan Cleary named for Panthers as Souths get boost

Joel Gould |

Nathan Cleary (c) has been named for Penrith in a massive boost for NSW and the Panthers.
Nathan Cleary (c) has been named for Penrith in a massive boost for NSW and the Panthers.

Penrith and NSW have received a boost with star half Nathan Cleary on track to play against competition leaders Canterbury.

Cleary has been named to take on the Bulldogs in Parramatta on Thursday night.

The NSW star revealed he had injured his groin while goal-kicking at the Blues captain’s run last week but never felt the issue was serious enough to sideline him from the 26-24 loss to Queensland in Perth, despite his obvious discomfort in playing the entire match.

Cleary trained on Tuesday night ahead of the eighth-placed Panthers’ showdown with the Bulldogs.

Ivan Cleary, coach of the four-time defending premiers, was asked about his son’s availability against the Bulldogs.

“We’re hopeful,” the coach said.

“Since Origin he has been progressing through his rehab and that’s been going well.”

Ivan said he “knew what was going on” before his son lined up with the Blues. 

“It is far from ideal when you get injured the day before the game but he was confident he could play,” he said.

“He was obviously a little bit compromised but by the second half, apart from the goal kicking, he was in everything else.”

Cleary will be a key figure in the State of Origin decider in Sydney.

Blues guns Brian To’o, Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards and Liam Martin have all been named for the Panthers to take on the Bulldogs.

Walker
Cody Walker will returns for struggling South Sydney from injury. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

South Sydney are languishing in 16th position ahead of their away clash with the Dolphins on Saturday night, but have been boosted by the return of  five-eighth Cody Walker (groin) and centre Campbell Graham (back) in the starting side.

Dylan Brown returns from suspension for Parramatta as they travel to Wollongong to play St George Illawarra. A win for the Eels would put them back in the finals equation.

The Warriors welcome back Queensland hero Kurt Capewell for their away clash with Brisbane on Saturday where a win would  solidify their top-four hopes.

Coates
Maroon Xavier Coates will return from Origin duty for Melbourne against Cronulla. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Maroons winger Xavier Coates returns for Melbourne against Cronulla on Sunday at AAMI Park. Grant Anderson shifts from wing to the centres in place of Jack Howarth who is ill.

Gold Coast have recalled Tom Weaver to replace Jayden Campbell (concussion) for the home clash with North Queensland on Sunday. The Cowboys have recalled Jake Clifford at half and moved Jaxon Purdue back to the centres. 

Manly confirmed their big change to the side to host Wests Tigers on Friday night with Tom Trbojevic switching to centre and Lehi Hopoate taking over at fullback.

AAP