Ruled out: Cleary “touch and go” to play Origin again this year

The New South Wales Blues will be without Nathan Cleary for their must-win Game II in Queensland this month, but even if they win at Suncorp Stadium the state’s first-pick halfback is still “touch and go” to pull on a sky blue jersey again this year.

The Panthers today confirmed Cleary will be out for at least six weeks.

Cleary backed up to play against the 17th-placed St George Illawarra Dragons on Sunday evening but was hooked from the field before the first half even wrapped up with his injury. He watched the rest of the game with ice on his hamstring and while wearing a compression band. The tear, while low grade, has still stabled him for weeks.

The grade two hamstring injury means the first-choice Blues No.7 won’t take to the field at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, June 21. If the Blues lose the impending second match of the series, they will lose the 2023 series after being named favourites.

Before the series, the Blues were $1.70 on TopSport to take the 2023 Origin series.

Even worse, a victory doesn’t guarantee they’ll be armed with their main man in Game III either—injury guru NRL Physio says he will be “touch and go” right up to the possible decider in July.

Scan results are in for Nathan Cleary, with the Panthers expecting him to miss up to 6 weeks. Likely grade 2 strain (partial tear) with that recovery timeframe, usual recovery range of 4-6 weeks in the NRL. Rules him out of Origin 2 & would be touch & go for Origin 3

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) June 4, 2023

Eyes now turn to Game II selection and who can step into the arena for Cleary as the Blues look to save the series. Nicho Hynes is one obvious choice, though a lot of chat has quickly turned to an Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker pairing.

Related: Who replaces Cleary for Suncorp must-win?

Most mail is suggesting that, with Cleary parked on the pine, Jarome Luai will lose his spot and both the five-eighth and halfback spots are up for grabs.

Fellow Panther Isaah Yeo could also lose his spot without the Cleary connection.

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