Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Penrith Panthers, injuries revealed, photos, surgery, shoulder, finger, dislocated, grand final

Panthers superstars Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai have revealed the extent of the injuries they suffered en route to a historic treble.

Luai underwent surgery on Monday when he went under the knife to repair the left shoulder he dislocated on the eve of the final.

The 26-year-old returned two weeks ahead of schedule to play in the preliminary final, but lasted just 52 minutes in the final.

Watch every match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup live on Kayo Sports. Starts THURSDAY 6 OCT 7:30 p.m. AEDT. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >

That’s when Cleary stepped in in his absence to deliver one of the most extraordinary final performances of all time.

Physiotherapist Brien Seeney, known as NRL Physio on social media, believes Luai will return in time for the first round of the 2024 season, which is shaping up to be the last five-eighth at Penrith amid offers significant from its rivals.

“Shoulder reconstruction surgery performed for Jarome Luai – 5 months until 2024 first round and an overall recovery period of 3-5 months. There’s a good chance he’ll be available to pitch next season,” Seeney posted.

Luai, who will enter the open market on November 1 to present offers for 2025 and beyond, posted a photo from the hospital alongside his daughter, Akira.

MORE NRL NEWS

NOVEMBER 1: The progress of each NRL club as an open marker to trigger a feeding frenzy

TEST SPEAKERS: Roo faces an ax amid pressure; The storm’s dilemma as the star is discovered

TOO GOOD: Try blitz amid Contender of the Year bashing as PNG crush Cook Islands

BIG VICTORY: Kangaroos destroy Samoa in World Championship final rematch as debutants run wild

AUS PLAYER RATINGS: Front-rowers dominate early before newbies shine

The injury prevented Samoa star Luai from participating in the inaugural Pacific Championships and watching from home as his country lost the World Cup final rematch against Australia in Townsville last Saturday night .

Cleary also posted a photo on social media of the dislocated finger that threatened to derail the Panthers’ season on the eve of the preliminary final.

Cleary’s right ring finger was injured after being hit by a rogue football in training, but he played and Penrith comfortably beat rivals Melbourne to book their fourth consecutive grand final berth.

The 25-year-old then tied the knot for the grand finale and delivered the best 20 final minutes of any player in history as the Panthers rallied from a 24-8 deficit to win 26-24 at the death.

MORE NRL NEWS

SWITCHEROO: Tigers in talks for disgraced Storm star in shock player swap

Whispers: Luai free to test free market after Penrith meeting reveals deficit

MADGE ERA: NSW greats call for selection overhaul to ‘restore pride in the badge’

SUPER LEAGUE GF: Pearce misses fairytale ending as Wigan claim title