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Nathan Cleary breaks silence after undergoing surgery for compound fracture as incredible medics’ act revealed

Nathan Cleary has posted from hospital after surgery on a compound ankle fracture, saying he will be back, but faces at least six months on the sidelines.

Nathan Cleary has broken his silence from a hospital bed after undergoing surgery on a brutal compound fracture of his ankle, defiantly insisting “I’ll be back”.

The Long Sip
What happened

Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary suffered a compound fracture of his ankle in a hip-drop tackle during the NRL preliminary final and was rushed to hospital.

The detail

The injury, described as the worst leg break seen by those at the Panthers, will require pins, plates and a rod inserted into his leg, possibly across multiple surgeries.

What it means

Cleary will miss the World Cup and Penrith are hoping he returns for round one of 2027, though the compound nature of the break raises the risk of infection and delays.

For you

Cleary's recovery timeline means Penrith are hoping he is fit for round one of the 2027 NRL season, though it could take longer depending on how the wound heals.

Full story at News.com.au

What readers are saying

Gwen
It is such a relief to hear the medical team acted so quickly to keep his leg straight and protect the blood supply. For anyone dealing with a major break like this, the compound nature means you have to be extra vigilant about the risk of infection during the long recovery ahead. Wishing him all the best for the surgeries.
lozl
The mention of Jharal Yow Yeh is a sobering reminder of how serious these compound fractures can be for a professional athlete. While he is staying positive, the fact he needs plates and a rod inserted plus a separate surgery for the stress fracture in his other foot means he has a very complicated road to recovery before the 2027 season.

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