“I’ll be back”: Cleary’s bold declaration from hospital bed

Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary has shared a post-surgery image from his hospital bed as his long recovery from a double leg fracture begins.

“I’ll be back,” Cleary declared in the Instagram post.

The halfback underwent surgery last night after suffering the horrific leg injury in Penrith’s loss to the Knights yesterday.

It resulted in Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland being sent off. He has been referred straight to the NRL Judiciary.

“Thank you so much to everyone that has reached out, the support has been unbelievable,” Cleary said.

“Yesterday sucked but it’s all part of the journey & it’s made me even more grateful for the people I have around me.”

Cleary’s post has already attracted high-profile support including from Premier Chris Minns who said: “All the best for your recovery Nathan”.

The NRL itself posted: “We’re all behind you NC7. Sending you lots of love.”

Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.