Superstar half Nathan Cleary is now fully recovered from shoulder surgery and has announced that he is “on track for Vegas,” where Penrith will commence their quest for a fifth consecutive premiership.

Cleary underwent surgery shortly after the grand final victory over Melbourne, having played through the injury during the finals series. After missing Penrith’s two pre-season trials, he is highly likely to take the field at Allegiant Stadium against the Sharks on March 2.

“It’s been a tough rehab period – you’ve got to work hard to get the shoulder to the place you want it to be, but it’s gone really well,” he shared.

The playmaker, 27, also confided that he draws inspiration from the late, iconic LA Lakers star Kobe Bryant to propel him towards greatness.

While dismissing comparisons suggesting he holds the same level of influence in the NRL as Tom Brady in the NFL as “absolute rubbish,” Cleary embraces Bryant’s Mamba mentality, the relentless drive that led the Lakers to five championships, a milestone he aspires to reach with the Panthers.

“I just love his mindset, his mentality, the way he played the game… the way he articulated things,” Cleary expressed. “Reflecting on his contributions, both in basketball and beyond, especially his leadership and the manner in which he conveyed his ideas, resonates with me deeply.”

As Cleary anticipates a matchup against his long-time halves partner Jarome Luai when Penrith faces the Tigers in Round 14, his primary focus is on integrating young Eels recruit Blaize Talagi into the five-eighth role.

“It’s just a chapter in the book now. It’s about trying to bring a young guy in and help him reach his full potential,” he noted.

“I think I’d get a real kick out of elevating those around me, just striving to be a leader in that sense. I’m excited by that challenge.”

Penrith opted not to include any of their grand final-winning players in their recent 22-16 trial loss to Canberra. They had aimed to give some stars a run-out in a trial against NSW Cup side North Sydney this weekend, but that game has been called off after Melbourne drafted several Bears players from their feeder team for their trial in New Zealand against the Warriors.