Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary has issued an update from his hospital bed after undergoing emergency surgery on a compound fracture of his leg sustained during the NRL preliminary final against Newcastle Knights at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
The 28-year-old was injured after a hip-drop tackle from Newcastle's Phoenix Crossland, who was sent off as the stadium fell silent. Cleary's mother Rebecca was in tears, and thousands of fans watched in silence as he was stretchered off, with his foot visibly pointing in the wrong direction.
Injury compared to a bullet wound
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, one Panthers source compared the damage to a bullet wound, with others calling it the worst leg-break they had ever seen. Penrith's medical team reportedly helped paramedics keep Cleary's leg straight to reduce the risk of cutting off blood supply to his left foot.
Cleary posted on Instagram after the operation: “Surgery done... Thank you so much to everyone that has reached out, the support has been unbelievable.”
He added: “Yesterday sucked but it’s all part of the journey & it’s made me even more grateful for the people I have around me. I’ll be back.”
Six-month recovery expected
Cleary is expected to be out for six months providing there are no further complications, though the severe nature of the injury could cause setbacks.
Physiotherapist and NRL observer Brien Seeney, known as NRL Physio, explained on X: “Effectively, it means the bone has broken so significantly in his leg that it has broken the skin.”
He said the surgical procedure would involve washing out and cleaning the wound, removing damaged tissue, and giving IV antibiotics to reduce infection risk, followed by stabilising the bone with pins, plates, or a rod. He noted that for a significant injury like this, multiple trips to a surgical theatre can be required.
