The Penrith Panthers have lost star and co-captain Nathan Cleary to a shoulder injury, jeopardising their Premiership chances.

After sustaining the injury during the second State of Origin game, Cleary has been ruled out for at four weeks.

NRL Immortal Andrew Johns told Mark Levy the Premiership is by no means a two-horse race between ladder-toppers Penrith and the Melbourne Storm.

“They say they’re going to rehab [Cleary] but they won’t operate; I think that brings the Panthers back to the field a bit.

“Parramatta’s thereabouts, and … if Turbo [Tom Trbojevic] is fully fit, then Manly’s a chance.”

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Image: Penrith Panthers/Official website