Nathan Cleary out of World Cup after ankle fracture as Australia lose star
Australia scrum-half Nathan Cleary has been ruled out of the Rugby League World Cup after suffering a compound fracture and dislocation to his left ankle.
The 28-year-old needed emergency surgery in hospital after the injury. He has told fans: "I'll be back" BBC Sport.
Cleary was hurt while playing for Penrith Panthers in their NRL play-off defeat by Newcastle Knights. In rugby league's NRL, the play-offs decide which two teams reach the Grand Final. Penrith lost, so their season is over.
The damage came in a tackle by Newcastle's Phoenix Crossland. Crossland was sent off for a hip-drop tackle, where a defender drops his body weight onto the back of the ball-carrier's legs. The NRL, Australia's top league competition, outlawed that tackle in 2020 because of the injury risk.
Crossland has been referred to the NRL Judiciary, the panel that decides bans for foul play. Newcastle went on to win the match and will now face Sydney Roosters in the NRL Grand Final.
Cleary had started the game on the bench. He was already carrying a broken bone in his right foot. His father Ivan Cleary, who is also Penrith's head coach, said his son would need surgery on both feet.
The left ankle injury was stark. A compound fracture means the broken bone pierced the skin, and a dislocation means the joint was forced out of place. It ended Cleary's 2026 season on Sunday and could keep him out for up to six months, according to Fox Sports.
From his hospital bed, Cleary posted a message to Instagram. "Yesterday sucked but it's all part of the journey & it's made me even more grateful for the people I have around me. I'll be back," he wrote. He also thanked supporters for their messages after surgery, ABC News reported.
It is a heavy blow for Australia. Cleary, the team's chief playmaker, helped the Kangaroos win the last World Cup in Manchester four years ago. The Kangaroos is the nickname for Australia's national rugby league team.
Australia open their title defence against New Zealand in Sydney on 15 October. The final is scheduled in Brisbane on 15 November.
For fans, this changes the story of the tournament. Australia coach Kevin Walters must now pick a new half-back partnership. Young backs Sam Walker and Robert Toia are in contention to step in, after Cleary was ruled out NRL.com.
Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo had backed Cleary to play through his foot problem before the Newcastle tie. That gamble now looks costly. Cleary faces a long winter of rehab instead of a home World Cup.
