3 minute read

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says his team's NRL position gives the Panthers the luxury to take all the time they need before recalling Nathan Cleary.

Penrith's healthy NRL ladder position will ensure the Panthers can afford to play the waiting game on Nathan Cleary's return from a shoulder injury.

Cleary sat out his fifth-straight match as the Panthers bounced back from last weekend's loss to Melbourne with a 20-14 win over the Sydney Roosters in Brisbane on Saturday.

While coach Ivan Cleary is happy with the progress the halfback is making in his rehabilitation, he insists his 23-year-old will only return when he's properly ready to do so.

"He got closer again this week. I know he's very keen to play and he's doing really well but it's just one of those things where it's a bit of feel as well," he said.

"He's got to be confident. We've got to be more confident.

"Luckily we've got enough wins in the bank where we can be a little bit more selective.

"We'll just go through the same thing next week. I'm sure we'll make the right call."

The Panthers coach had previously cited Reed Mahoney's comeback from a similar shoulder injury as an example of how it can be done.

However, the Parramatta hooker was left in tears on Friday night after re-injuring the joint during a big loss to South Sydney on the Gold Coast, with the prospect of season-ending surgery now looming.

Cleary said Mahoney's unfortunate setback is unlikely to affect his own club's approach towards his son's return.

"The fact is there is potential for re-injury and it's just a fact," the Panthers coach said.

"But through smart management, and a bit of luck, we feel pretty good that it'll be OK."