Panthers cop massive blow as Cleary sidelined

The Panthers have suffered a major injury blow with Nathan Cleary expected to be ruled out for close to a month.

Cleary left the field late in the match against the Broncos and 9news reporter Danny Weidler has confirmed he'll be out for Thursday's match against the Roosters.

"Nathan Cleary is out of the Roosters game - small tear in his hamstring," Weidler wrote on X.

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"He says he is a chance of playing next week - more likely to play after the bye."

The halfback missed six games last year with a hamstring injury after suffering a grade two tear in Origin III.

Brad Schneider was signed to the club from Hull KR following a stint at the Raiders and is expected to fill Cleary's shoes. Schneider was withdrawn from the NSW Cup side's match on Saturday.

It's not the only reported injury news for Penrith with Scott Sorensen also injuring his knee and is expected to miss a month too. 

Cleary and Sorensen join James Fisher-Harris in the casualty ward for Penrith after he suffered a shoulder injury against the Eels. 

The Panthers play the Roosters this Thursday at Allianz Stadium before facing Manly and then having the bye.