Corey Parker says Penrith need Nathan Cleary to win the premiership – Corey Parker believes Penrith’s title hopes depend on Nathan Cleary being fit for the NRL finals, with the former Queensland captain calling the Panthers halfback the world’s best player on The Agenda Setters Rugby League.
The discussion follows Penrith’s confirmation that Cleary is dealing with a stress-related bone issue in his foot. The club says he will continue to be assessed and monitored by its medical staff ahead of the preliminary-final stage.
For the Panthers, the uncertainty centres on the player who has repeatedly delivered in decisive moments. The Agenda Setters Rugby League panel agreed Penrith’s depth gives them options, but Parker said the final stages of a premiership push require their leading playmaker.
“To win competitions, they’re hard enough as it is. You need your best players,” Parker said. “He’s certainly the world’s best player.”
Parker said Penrith could cover Cleary to a point. However, he said the team needs him in the clutch moments that decide preliminary finals and grand finals.
Panel weighs up Cleary’s injury
David Riccio said Penrith’s statement left uncertainty around the exact nature of the problem. He noted the Panthers have a two-week gap before their next match, but said it was unclear whether the issue was a stress fracture, bone bruising or another foot injury.
Aaron Woods said the extra week could be important because foot injuries can be difficult to manage. Luke Keary said stress-related injuries are usually linked to overuse, although he was surprised by the timing and wondered whether the issue had been developing before the incident that drew attention to it.
Keary recalled playing through a Lisfranc injury during the 2014 finals after treatment. He said Penrith’s options would look different if former halfback Jerome Luai was still available, but the current combinations make Cleary especially important.
Woods took a more optimistic view. He pointed to Dylan Edwards at fullback and Mitch Kenny’s return, arguing that a side of Penrith’s quality cannot simply be ruled out. Parker agreed the Panthers have enough quality to remain dangerous, but said their task would become much harder without Cleary.
The episode also features Corey Parker, David Riccio, Aaron Woods and Luke Keary discussing the NRL finals with special guest Jai Arrow. The Agenda Setters Rugby League is available on Channel 7 and 7plus.
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