Nathan Cleary vows to return after ankle surgery ends 2026 season

Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has vowed to return after undergoing surgery on a compound fracture of his left ankle that ended his 2026 season. Cleary posted a photograph from hospital on Instagram showing his bandaged leg and giving supporters a thumbs-up. He thanked fans for their support and said the operation had been completed, adding that he would be back.

The 28-year-old was injured during the Panthers’ 22-14 defeat by Newcastle in the NRL preliminary final. Penrith led 14-6 at half-time but lost to the 12-man Knights, who secured their first grand-final appearance in 25 years. Cleary had started on the bench because of a broken bone in his right foot and entered after 25 minutes, but lasted only 10 minutes before the injury.

Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland was sent off after falling onto Cleary’s ankle in a tackle. The match review committee referred him directly to the NRL judiciary, where he will argue his case on Tuesday. A lengthy suspension could rule him out of the grand final against the Sydney Roosters and affect his prospects for the Kangaroos’ World Cup campaign.

Panthers captain Isaah Yeo said Cleary was one of his best friends and described the injury as distressing for teammates. Coach Ivan Cleary said seeing his son in that condition had been emotional. Former Maroons coach Billy Slater supported Crossland while arguing that changes to tackling rules may have influenced the incident.

Slater said players could become passive when worried about being penalised for tackling a player immediately after a pass. Crossland needs to successfully challenge the charge to have any chance of playing in the grand final.