The Agenda Setters Rugby League on Channel 7: Tom Jenkins backs Nathan Cleary to face Newcastle – Penrith Panthers player Tom “Milky” Jenkins expects Nathan Cleary to play Sunday’s preliminary final against the Newcastle Knights despite the halfback’s foot injury.
Appearing on The Agenda Setters Rugby League, Jenkins said the outlook was positive and expressed full confidence in Cleary’s ability to prepare his body for the match.
Cleary’s availability shapes more than Penrith’s team sheet. The Panthers are preparing for a seventh consecutive preliminary final, and the combination of his game management with the experience of the club’s core group remains central to another attempt to reach the decider.
Nathan Cleary expected to play
David Riccio directly asked Jenkins whether Cleary would face Newcastle. Jenkins replied that, at that stage, the star playmaker was “obviously playing” and that everything was looking good.
Jenkins described Cleary as the ultimate professional. He did not know how much training the halfback would complete during the week, but expected him to work through mental repetitions and hoped he would also take part in some on-field preparation.
The confidence expressed by Jenkins did not amount to a detailed medical update. However, it offered a clear indication from inside the playing group that Penrith was preparing with Cleary in its plans.
Isaah Yeo praised after rapid return
Aaron Woods shifted the discussion to Penrith captain Isaah Yeo and his return from a ruptured pectoral injury. Jenkins praised Yeo’s leadership, recovery and ability to play at a high level after returning far more quickly than is typical for that injury.
Jenkins said many injuries and the work required to overcome them went unsung. He credited Yeo’s daily preparation and described the captain’s return as a reflection of the effort he put in away from match day.
Yeo and Cleary may not be at full fitness, but their experience gives Penrith continuity in the matches where decision-making and composure are placed under the greatest pressure.
Penrith refreshed for seventh straight preliminary final
Corey Parker asked how coach Ivan Cleary had handled the week after Penrith secured another preliminary-final appearance. Jenkins said the team received several days off after its previous match before completing two training days the following week.
The Panthers were then returning to their full schedule. Jenkins welcomed the break, noting Penrith had not rested players in rounds 26 and 27 and that the pause gave the squad an opportunity to refresh physically before facing Newcastle.
The interview featured The Agenda Setters Rugby League panel of Corey Parker, David Riccio, Aaron Woods and Luke Keary. The programme covers the latest rugby league news and analysis on Channel 7 and 7plus.
For more TV Central Channel 7 news, head here. Watch full episodes of The Agenda Setters Rugby League on 7plus.