NRL 2024 Around the Clubs round 25: Spencer Leniu, Connor Watson ink Sydney Roosters contract extensions [Video]

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“I guess we’re used to it. And to be honest, we’re ready for it, no matter what happens the rest of the year.

“It’s not that easy [watching Nathan injured]. Certainly on the weekend it was a cross between understanding [his] relevance to the team and where we are in the season, and also as his dad, knowing how shattered he will be.”

Cleary’s injury and a suspension to Mitch Kenny means the Panthers will field their 11th different ‘spine’ combination this year. Their first-choice spine of Dylan Edwards, Luai, Cleary and Kenny have played just five times together this year.

“We’ve had an excellent season, but we’ve faced more disruption than we have before, and our depth is a lot younger and more inexperienced,” Cleary said. “We’ve blooded six rookies and another two who were pretty much rookies in Jack Cole and Liam Henry. We’ll adapt and try to …