Panthers receive good news about Jarome Luai amid Nathan Cleary's NRL injury absence
The defending premiers are set to have their first-choice halves pairing back for their next match after Jarome Luai was cleared of a knee injury.
The Panthers are set to have their first-choice halves pairing back following their round six bye after scans cleared Jarome Luai of a knee injury. Luai went down clutching his left knee in the first half of Penrith's 32-18 loss to Manly on Saturday.
The five-eighth was crunched in a two-man tackle as he attempted to defuse a kick. Despite initially being able to continue after being treated by trainers on the field, he was taken off with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game.
Following the match Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was optimistic about Luai's prognosis and scans have since cleared him of any damage. He returned to Penrith's gym on Tuesday to train, despite it being a scheduled day off.
Luai being given the all-clear is a timely boost for the defending premiers, who have struggled without halfback Nathan Cleary. The star playmaker picked up a hamstring injury in March and is set to return to the side and partner Luai for Penrith's next match against the Wests Tigers.
Second-rower Scott Sorensen is also expected to return for the Panthers' next match on April 20. The New Zealand international picked up a minor knee injury in last month's win over Brisbane and is targeting a round-seven return.
Reece Walsh set for return from injury in massive boost for Broncos
Broncos star Reece Walsh is in line to make a shock return from injury weeks ahead of schedule. The Maroons fullback is expected to return to the Broncos lineup against the Dolphins on Friday night despite initial reports ruling him out for up to six weeks.
Walsh suffered a fractured cheekbone in a controversial incident with Taylan May in the NRL grand final rematch a fortnight ago. But in positive news for Brisbane fans, the No.1 is expected to make his return against the table-topping Dolphins.
On Monday, Walsh trained in bright pink headgear at fullback and is anticipated to play in his new accessory as a way of protecting his cheek. Kotoni Staggs said the return of Queensland fullback was "a big boost" for the side.
"Reece has done everything right to be back in the team," Staggs said. "All of his rehab went well and it is good to have him back out on the park doing what he does best. One thing he has picked up is how he goes about (rehabbing) his injuries. He got on top of everything and has got back earlier than expected - that is him doing all the hard yards people don't really see."
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On Monday, Jock Madden trained at halfback in place of Adam Reynolds, who is expected to miss at least a few weeks. While Corey Oates is in line to take the injured Deine Mariner's spot on the wing. Ezra Mam also picked up a knock at Monday's training, however, team officials say it is nothing more than a cork and he is not in any doubt for Brisbane's clash with the Dolphins.
with AAP
