Penrith star Nathan Cleary set on Round 1 NRL return from shoulder injury

As the Panthers chase back to back premierships for the first time in the club's history, there was concern star halfback Nathan Cleary wouldn't be around to help kick off the 2022 season.

The captain had shoulder surgery in the pre-season and Penrith's medical staff were anticipating his return to the field in round three or later.

But Cleary is itching to join his team mates from the season opener in pursuit of another title.

«I'm hoping to be out there for round one, a big occasion at home Thursday night against Manly who are a great team, so that's the plan at the moment,» Cleary said. 

«There's not much (doubt) I still have two weeks to go, that'll be an important two weeks but it's feeling good at the moment.

»I am tackling and have started moderate contact and hope to be doing the full team stuff next week."

«I just need to have confidence in it, I don't want to be putting myself out there too early and be letting the team down – that's the biggest thing.»

Cleary will have the final say as to when he takes the field, but will be taking advice from his medical team.

His halves partner, Jarome Luai is impressed with his teammate's comeback.

«Nathan's progressed really well, we aren't looking after him on the field, so good signs from him, hope we get him round one, he's one of the best in the game,» Luai said. 

If the Panthers are without their skipper they've got a handy replacement in their ranks in recruit Sean O'Sullivan.

It's somewhat of a homecoming for the playmaker — he began his career at the foot of the mountains before stints at the Roosters, Broncos and Warriors and was among Penrith's best in their 34-6 trial win over Cronulla. 

«I can't speak highly enough of Seany, he's got a great footy brain on him, he' fit in