The question was asked and answered by the rugby league media, could Penrith win the title without their inspirational co-captain Isaah Yeo? On Monday it was revealed that Yeo would not need immediate surgery after suffering a pectoral injury against the Warriors last Friday. The Panthers however are no strangers to having key players carrying injury or being out at the business end of the season. In August 2024, Cleary again suffered a recurrence of a left shoulder injury during a match against the Melbourne Storm, about a month before the Finals. He also avoided immediate surgery and made an unexpected return four weeks later in the Preliminary Final.