Shocking details of Nathan Cleary’s shattered ankle revealed, tell me about this news in (https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/shocking-details-of-nathan-cleary-s-shattered-ankle-revealed/ar-AA2d4Ff4?ocid=BingNewsVerp)
28-09-2026
The report details the catastrophic injury suffered by Penrith Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary during the preliminary final against the Newcastle Knights, revealing the severity of the damage and his expected path to recovery:
Nature of the Injury: Cleary sustained an open, compound fracture to his left ankle and lower leg. The bone broke so severely that it pierced through the skin, leaving an open wound. Club insiders described the injury as looking like a “bullet wound” due to the significant amount of blood at the scene.
Immediate Response and Surgery: Because the wound was open and exposed to the field’s grass, dirt, and bacteria, Cleary faced an immediate, severe risk of bone and soft-tissue infection. He was rushed directly to the hospital from Accor Stadium for emergency surgery to clean the site, reduce the fracture, and manage infection risks.
Multiple Surgical Procedures: Medical specialists and sports physiotherapists noted that injuries of this magnitude typically require at least a staged, two-step surgical processfirst addressing debridement and infection control, followed by internal fixation to stabilize the shattered bones once swelling and infection risks subside.
Pre-existing Injury Revelation: In the post-match press conference, an emotional Ivan Cleary revealed that Nathan had already been playing through a secret broken bone in his opposite foot prior to sustaining this compound fracture.
Tackle and Match Fallout: The injury occurred late in the first half following a hip-drop tackle by Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland, who was sent off by referee Gerard Sutton and subsequently referred straight to the NRL judiciary. The Knights went on to win the match 22–14, ending Penrith’s season.
Recovery Timeline: Cleary faces at least six months on the sidelines, with his rehabilitation timeline heavily dependent on avoiding deep-tissue or bone infections during the initial healing phase.