Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary admits he thought his season was over immediately after suffering a shoulder injury during his State of Origin campaign this year.
Cleary picked up the injury during the Blues' series-clinching win in Origin II back in June and was immediately ruled out for the final game of the series, as the injury threatened to derail Penrith's premiership hopes.
READ MORE: Panthers coach reveals battered squad's true injury toll
However, after seeing a shoulder specialist in the aftermath of the injury, it was determined that a rehabilitation period as opposed to surgery would be the best course of action for the 23-year-old.
Following his side's 14-12 grand final win over South Sydney, Cleary credited the Panthers' medical staff for being able to get him back on the field in time for the team's finals campaign.
"It probably lasted about two minutes when I first found out the prognosis of what it was," Cleary said when asked if he ever thought his season was done.
"But after that the physio pretty much called me straight away and said, 'We'll get you back', and it's just full credit to them. I can't thank them enough for the work they've put into me.
"They were always super positive and as soon as they said that, that's what it was always going to be. I'm very grateful for the physio staff for all the work and time they've put into me to get me back on the field.
"[The pain] has actually not been that bad, and you compare it to some of the other guys in our team, they're just absolute warriors and they've been dealing with a lot worse stuff than I have.
"It makes my job easier to do what I have to do to get right and get on the field."
Despite carrying a shoulder injury throughout the post-season, Cleary was instrumental in Penrith's three consecutive wins to take out the premiership.
He was named the Clive Churchill Medallist for a best-on-ground performance in the grand final, leading to rave reviews from league great Peter Sterling.
"He's 23! He's still learning the game," Sterling said. "But he's experienced so much at a young age. He's gone through Origin series, he's been under pressure as a young player with so much expectation. But he's a complete footballer."
from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/nathan-cleary-thought-season-was-over-after-state-of-origin-shoulder-injury/2c241236-f353-4f18-87db-7f3dca883d25
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