Roosters confident, Panthers cagey: The injuries that could decide the NRL prelim finals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With Week 2 in the rear-view mirror, preliminary final week is set to be dominated by the health of two incumbent State of Origin halfbacks, specifically the ankle of Sam Walker and the foot of Nathan Cleary.
While facing different opponents for a spot in the 2026 NRL Grand Final, the messaging is similar around both stars with coaches and fans sweating not just on them being named when squads are announced on Tuesday afternoon – but on being able to take the field and deliver for their team next weekend.
Of the pair Sam Walker’s fitness seems the least mysterious.
On Saturday night Roosters coach Craig Robinson indicated he’s confident the 24-year-old will return from ankle surgery for the Dolphins clash at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, reuniting in the halves with veteran Daly Cherry-Evans who could be playing his 378th and final NRL match.
MORE: ‘Penalty every day’: Controversial ending mars epic Knights NRL upset at Eden Park
In classic Panthers style, the true extent of Nathan Cleary’s ‘stress-related’ foot injury is far less certain with Penrith’s week off providing welcome cover for the notoriously private club.
That said, coach Ivan Cleary did concede early last week his son’s preliminary final preparation would be hampered due to an injury almost certainly caused by his heavy playmaking and kicking load.
“Nat’s pretty sore… the injury is definitely the result of over-use, he kicks a lot, does a lot, runs a lot and it all adds up,” he said ahead of the Accor Stadium clash with Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
At this stage both men are expected to play, but will their bodies hold up?
A place in the 2026 NRL Grand Final may very well depend on it.