Nathan Cleary completes surgery after ankle injury ends World Cup hopes

Nathan Cleary has confirmed he has undergone surgery after the ankle injury that ended his Rugby League World Cup hopes, according to BBC Sport. The Australia half-back was hurt during Penrith Panthers’ NRL play-off defeat by Newcastle Knights on Sunday. In a message posted on Instagram, the 28-year-old thanked people for their support and pledged to return.

BBC Sport reported that Cleary suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his left ankle in a tackle by Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland. He needed emergency hospital surgery and will miss the World Cup in Australia. Cleary was part of the Australian team that won the previous tournament in Manchester four years ago, but will not be available for this edition.

Crossland was sent off for a hip-drop tackle and referred to the NRL Judiciary. The technique has been prohibited by the NRL since 2020. As described in the BBC report, it involves a defender holding the ball-carrier and then dropping or rotating the lower body so that the opponent’s leg becomes trapped below the knee. The report did not state a final disciplinary sanction.

Cleary had already been managing a separate problem before the play-off match: a broken bone in his right foot. That injury meant he began Sunday’s game among the substitutes. His father and Penrith head coach, Ivan Cleary, said afterwards that his son would have operations on both feet. He described how much effort Nathan had made to be fit enough to take part.

In his post-surgery message, Cleary reflected on a difficult day and expressed gratitude for those around him. His promise to come back did not include a recovery timetable. The confirmed consequence for his international season is his absence from the World Cup, where Australia are scheduled to play New Zealand in the opening match in Sydney on 15 October.

Crossland’s availability also remains unresolved. Newcastle face Sydney Roosters in Sunday’s NRL Grand Final, while a suspension could additionally affect his participation for New Zealand at the World Cup. BBC Sport reported that a lengthy ban was likely, but that prospect remains distinct from a confirmed judiciary decision.