Penrith’s charge towards another NRL minor premiership has hit a potentially significant hurdle, with three of the club’s biggest stars now facing fitness concerns ahead of a crucial stretch of the season.
The Panthers are sweating on the availability of co-captains Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, while fullback Dylan Edwards is also racing the clock to return as Ivan Cleary’s side prepares for a top-of-the-table clash with the New Zealand Warriors.
Cleary and Yeo Nursing Origin Workload
According to Yahoo Sport Australia, both Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo are carrying soreness after another demanding State of Origin campaign, prompting concerns over how Penrith manages its senior stars through the run home.
The Panthers remain in the hunt for the minor premiership and are expected to carefully monitor the pair rather than take unnecessary risks ahead of the finals. While neither player has been ruled out, their workloads are expected to be managed closely this week.
Nathan Cleary only recently returned from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several weeks earlier this season, making his fitness an even greater priority for Penrith.
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Dylan Edwards Still Fighting to Return
Compounding the Panthers’ concerns is the continued absence of star fullback Dylan Edwards.
Edwards missed Round 22 and remains in doubt for Friday night’s clash with the Warriors as he continues his recovery from injury. His absence has forced Ivan Cleary to reshuffle the backline during one of the most important periods of the season.
The representative fullback has again been among Penrith’s most influential players in 2026, with his kick returns, support play and defensive organisation playing a crucial role in the Panthers’ success.
Panthers Already Made One Big Selection Call
Penrith has already shown it is prepared to make tough decisions in pursuit of another premiership.
Last week, Ivan Cleary dropped Blaize Talagi after defensive struggles, recalling Jack Cogger to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves. The move underlined the standards expected within the Panthers’ system as the club enters the business end of the season.
With several stars now under an injury cloud, squad depth could again become one of Penrith’s biggest strengths.
Minor Premiership Race Tightens
The Panthers remain firmly in contention for the minor premiership, but any extended absence for Cleary, Yeo or Edwards would represent a significant blow.
Ivan Cleary has consistently prioritised having his squad at full strength for September rather than taking unnecessary risks during the regular season, meaning the club is unlikely to rush any of its representative stars back before they are fully fit.
With matches against fellow contenders still to come, Penrith’s management of its biggest names over the coming weeks could prove just as important as the results themselves.
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