Nathan Cleary faces uncertain World Cup availability due to foot injury

Nathan Cleary, halfback for the Penrith Panthers, is dealing with a foot injury and will play against the Newcastle Knights this weekend. Although he is set to participate in the preliminary final, coach Kevin Walters acknowledged that Cleary's availability for the upcoming World Cup is in doubt. Cleary suffered a stress-related bone issue during the Panthers' qualifying final, and if he is unable to compete, Sam Walker and Mitchell Moses are potential replacements. Isaah Yeo, also facing a fitness concern, desires to play in the tournament while needing surgery soon.

• 8:30 AMZero Tackle NRL — Kevin Walters provides worrying Nathan Cleary update ahead of World Cup