Nathan Cleary ruled out of Rugby League World Cup after compound ankle fracture in NRL preliminary final

Nathan Cleary has been ruled out of the Rugby League World Cup after suffering a compound fracture of his left ankle in Penrith’s 22-14 preliminary-final defeat by Newcastle at Accor Stadium on Sunday.

The Penrith half-back was hurt in a hip-drop tackle by Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland that left him in agony before he was taken from the field on a medicab. Crossland was sent off for the tackle — the incident occurred about 10 minutes after Cleary had taken the field midway through the first half, having been named on the interchange because of a foot injury.

Cleary underwent surgery on Sunday night. On Monday he posted a message of thanks to supporters, vowing: “I’ll be back.”

His father, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary, revealed the full extent of the damage: “He will have to get the other foot done as well because that was broken.”

Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters confirmed Sydney Roosters half-back Sam Walker is in line for a call-up to replace Cleary. Walker is in a three-way battle with Mitchell Moses and Tom Dearden to partner Cameron Munster in the halves, with Australia’s 23-man squad to be named the Monday after the NRL grand final.

Cleary’s Panthers team-mates are also in doubt: captain Isaah Yeo has been playing with a ruptured pec, while Dylan Edwards ruptured his PCL during the match. Crossland’s case has been referred to the NRL judiciary.

Sources

• NRL.com — “RLWC26: Sam Walker, Rob Toia in Kangaroos’ sights for World Cup as Nathan Cleary ruled out and Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo in doubt” (27 September 2026)
• All Out Rugby League — “Nathan Cleary suffers horrific injury in NRL finals with Australia dealt major World Cup blow” (27 September 2026)
• The Sporting Base — “NRL: Cleary Out of World Cup as Edwards and Yeo Injury Clouds Grow” (28 September 2026)
• LoveRugbyLeague — “Nathan Cleary suffers HORRIFIC injury with World Cup dream over” (27 September 2026)