The Sydney Morning Herald
· collected 2026-09-28 · by Christian Nicolussi
Nathan Cleary suffered a severe double compound fracture of his left ankle during the preliminary final against Newcastle, with fears that the injury could have led to further complications if not treated immediately. The bone broke through the skin in what was described as resembling a "bullet wound," leading to emergency surgery and potentially six months away from play. The incident had a significant emotional impact on Cleary's family and fellow players, highlighting the severity of the injury and its broader implications for Penrith's upcoming season.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-09-28,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Based on the articles provided, here's a summary of Nathan Cleary's injury and prognosis:
- Injury Severity: Nathan Cleary suffered a compound fracture to his lower left leg in a hip-drop tackle by Phoenix Crossland during Penrith Panthers' preliminary final against Newcastle Knights. This is described as one of the worst leg breaks seen, with fears over major complications due to blood supply risks and potential additional injuries.
- Medical Response: Cleary was quickly taken off the field via ambulance for emergency surgery, with paramedics and club medical staff working to keep his leg straight to maintain circulation to his foot.
- Pre-existing Injury: Prior to Sunday's game, Cleary had a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot that also needed surgical attention.
- Expert Prognosis: The recovery time for such injuries can vary widely. Some experts suggest anything from six months up to being potentially career-ending, depending on the exact nature and location of the fractures. Orthopedic surgeon Andrew Higgs suggests it's entirely possible Cleary could be back by round one of the 2027 NRL season, though this heavily depends on factors such as bone healing and any potential complications.
- Judicial Proceedings: Phoenix Crossland faces significant disciplinary action from the NRL judiciary for the tackle that caused Cleary’s injury, with a strong likelihood of facing a lengthy suspension due to the seriousness of the incident.
Overall, while it's clear Nathan Cleary is facing a long-term recovery period and uncertain future in his career, there remains hope among medical professionals that he could make a full return to rugby league. However, this scenario heavily relies on the successful healing process and absence of any complications arising from such severe injuries.
Written for “Nathan Cleary Injury” on 2026-10-05,
grounded in this article and the 7 other(s) covering the same event.
Penrith’s medical team helped paramedics keep Nathan Cleary’s leg straight as he was taken from the field on Sunday to reduce the risk of cutting off the blood supply to his left foot.
asserted
he → help → foot
There were fears Cleary’s double fracture was so bad that the champion halfback risked major complications had he not been rushed by ambulance to hospital in time to undergo emergency surgery.
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he → be → surgery
Several club sources with knowledge of Cleary’s injury said it was the worst leg break they had seen.
Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland has been referred straight to the judiciary for the tackle, which resulted in him being sent from the field in the 35th minute of Newcastle’s stunning 22-14 preliminary final win.
A bone pierced the skin and stuck out the inside of Cleary’s ankle.
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bone → say → ankle
The damage was likened to a “bullet wound” by a Penrith source because of the blood coming out of Cleary’s foot as he was moved onto the back of the medicab.
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he → liken → medicab
Because a bone was protruding, and the fact that it was a double compound fracture, there were fears the trauma would lead to Cleary also suffering a syndesmosis injury.
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Cleary → protrude → injury
Several Penrith staff only realised how bad the injury was when they saw a replay of the tackle on the big screen inside Accor Stadium before they had arrived to treat Cleary.
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they → realise → Cleary
Because Cleary’s foot was left facing in a different direction and the bone was protruding, the immediate concern was a blockage of the blood supply.
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concern → leave → supply
That led to several staff members helping paramedics try to keep Cleary’s lower leg straight and stable.
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paramedics → lead → leg
Provided there are no complications with surgery, Cleary is facing up to six months on the sidelines.
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Cleary → provide → sidelines
Coach Ivan Cleary also confirmed his son went into the game with a broken bone in his right foot, which will also be operated on.
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which → confirm → foot
The Panthers described Cleary’s foot injury at the time as a “stress-related bone issue”, but he had actually broken the fifth metatarsal, the last bone on the outside of his foot.
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he → describe → foot
He said in the post-match press conference: “I went and saw him [Nathan] at half-time and saw the whole crew, my family, in there.
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I → say → crew
“When all the boys went around to the medicab, I got a bit emotional there, and thought it was cool.
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it → go → medicab
“I didn’t know it was a compound fracture.
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it → know → ?
I can’t explain what happened in the second half.”
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what → explain → half
Cleary’s injury has had a significant impact on rival players, including fellow representative playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans, who said it was difficult to watch.
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it → have → Evans
“I tell you what, I watch it through the lens sometimes as a dad.
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I → tell → dad
And watching his dad up in the coaches box, I could not believe how he would be able to sit there, compose himself, and coach a side when his son has just had a pretty rough injury,” Cherry-Evans said.
uncertain
Evans → watch → injury
“That’s where my thoughts go.
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thoughts → ’ → ?
It’s not just tough on Nathan, it’s tough on his family.
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it → ’ → family
I’ve spent time with Nathan, I know how resilient he is, he’ll come back bigger and stronger, there’s absolutely no doubt about that.”
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he → spend → that
Cleary snr also confirmed after the game fullback Dylan Edwards had injured his posterior cruciate ligament in the first half, but played through the pain.
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Edwards → confirm → pain
The No.1 played the entire second half with a torn PCL during an epic Origin decider win for NSW in 2024.
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No.1 → play → 2024
Edwards will undergo scans later this week, which will decide if he requires immediate surgery, and if he is still a hope of playing for Australia at the World Cup.
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he → undergo → Cup
Blaize Talagi ruptured his Achilles and is facing up to five months on the sidelines, while Isaah Yeo remains confident he can delay surgery on his ruptured pectoral so he can captain Australia next month.
asserted
he → rupture → Australia
The Aporia
