The rugby league world is still reeling from a shocking collision that has left Panthers star halfback Nathan Cleary sidelined with a concussion. The incident occurred during a heated matchup when Cleary clashed with Storms Jahrome Hughes in a moment that will be etched in the memories of fans for a long time.
The play started innocently enough, with Cleary attempting to chase down a kick deep in Storms territory. However, as he approached the sideline, Hughes came out of nowhere, leading to a catastrophic collision that sent Cleary flying through the air. The Panthers star halfback was flipped upside down, landing awkwardly on his head and neck, leaving the crowd gasping in horror.
Players from both teams immediately rushed to Clearys aid, and he was eventually helped to his feet, looking dazed and disoriented. The trainer and medical staff quickly assessed the situation and made the prudent decision to remove him from the game, citing concerns over a potential concussion.
Cleary was taken to the dressing room, where he underwent further evaluation and treatment. The Panthers coaching staff later confirmed that he had indeed suffered a concussion and would be forced to miss the next round as part of the leagues concussion protocol.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about player safety, with many calling for increased protection for players, particularly those in vulnerable positions such as halfbacks. The NRL has implemented various rules and protocols to minimize the risk of head injuries, but the Cleary incident highlights the ongoing challenges in preventing these types of collisions.
Despite the setback, the Panthers remain optimistic about Clearys longterm prospects, and the team is expected to provide further updates on his condition in the coming days. For now, fans will be holding their breath, hoping that the talented halfback makes a full and speedy recovery.