The moment Nathan Cleary doubted whether his shoulder would last the year

Nathan Cleary has opened up on the only moment he second-guessed his decision to play on this season with a shoulder injury, when watching Eels rival Reed Mahoney almost break down in tears after a similar shoulder problem ended his year.

Penrith superstar Cleary is nursing a previously dislocated shoulder - which needs post-season surgery - through to the grand final as the Panthers chase title redemption.

The 23-year-old suffered the injury during NSW’s third State of Origin win in Brisbane but Penrith medicos opted to rehabilitate the shoulder, over the option of surgical repair, in the hope it could survive until the season finale.

But only days before Cleary made his return, Mahoney was ruled out for the season after falling awkwardly trying to tackle Latrell Mitchell in the Eels’ loss to Penrith’s grand final rivals South Sydney.

“That was probably the hardest part seeing how shattered he was,” Cleary said. “We had similar problems. I kind of felt sorry for him.

“That put a little bit of doubt in my mind. Then again, I was content with the decision I made to play on. I was going to give myself every chance to get it right and I’ve had a lot of support around me and a lot of help.

Nathan Cleary says he was riddled with doubt about his comeback when Eels hooker Reed Mahoney was ruled out for the season.Credit:Getty

“The staff here have put so much time and effort into me, not only the time to help me get back onto the field, but also the mindset. They’ve not once said anything negative about it, they’re always 100 per cent positive and allowed me to get on with what I need to do to first get back on the field and then manage it since then.

“It’s actually feeling really good and I think that has a lot to do with mindset.”

Cleary has clutched at his shoulder on several occasions in the seven games he’s played since round 22, more than holding his own in defence, including in three bruising finals so far.

The Panthers are expected to book Cleary into surgery in Queensland at the end of the season given the long waiting lists for elective surgery in NSW. It will give him a chance to be fit for the start of Penrith’s campaign in 2022.

There’s some tough guys in this team and I’m very grateful I get to play alongside them

Nathan Cleary

Asked about his pain threshold during games, Cleary said: “I think it’s something I’ve been brought up with; not show weakness on the field. In saying that, there hasn’t been too many games when I’ve actually felt sore in the shoulder. That’s been a positive.

“I’m drawing inspiration from some of my teammates as well. There’s some tough guys in this team and I’m very grateful I get to play alongside them. Once you pull on that jersey, no one cares what niggles you have, you’ve just got to get out there and do your best for the team and show that pride in the jersey.

“I guess it’s such a proud moment for the club, the way we’ve been battered and bruised throughout the last month and to be able to make another grand final is a massive achievement.”

A host of Panthers stars are expected to do little training during grand final week. A refreshed South Sydney, only perturbed by Adam Reynolds’ groin strain which prevented him doing kicking duties in the preliminary final win over Manly, are expected to be at full strength bar Latrell Mitchell (suspension).

Cleary insisted he wouldn’t be obsessed again with bombing Rabbitohs rookie fullback Blake Taaffe, who spilled the first bomb before a near faultless display thereafter in the week one finals clash.

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