Falling apart': Panthers, Kangaroos count brutal injury cost as Knights march into NRL Grand Final

Penrith’s Grand Final build-up has been overshadowed by major injuries to multiple stars, with three key players now facing surgery in the run-up to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Captain Nathan Cleary underwent emergency surgery overnight for a compound leg fracture and was already expected to miss national selection with a lengthy rehab. After Penrith’s 8-point preliminary final loss to Newcastle, Ivan Cleary said Cleary also needs surgery for a stress fracture in his right foot. Ivan also confirmed Dylan Edwards ruptured his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the first half and Isaah Yeo has been playing for a month with a fully ruptured pectoral. Blaize Talagi suffered a serious Achilles injury. Newcastle won 22-14, finishing with 12 men for the second half after Phoenix Crossland’s hip-drop tackle.