Penrith NRL league coach Ivan Cleary has leapt to the defence of his club's medical team in the wake of his son Nathan's ongoing hamstring issues

The star halfback left the field just before halftime in the 16-10 home win over the Canterbury Bulldogs and is set to miss the State of Origin starting next month.

Cleary senior says Nathan had been training without drama after an extended period on the sideline...and refutes suggestions the playmaker was rushed back into action.



Warriors centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic are also facing lengthy spells out of action with injured hamstrings.

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