NRL Injury News Summary – Preliminary Finals:

- Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary is being monitored after scans revealed a stress-related bone issue in his foot sustained in their win over the Roosters.

- Sharks No.7 Nicho Hynes failed a HIA in the opening minutes against the Roosters, with centre Mawene Hiroti also lost to a PCL knee injury.

- Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga passed his HIA following a Leka Halasima hit and is expected to face Penrith in the preliminary final.

- Roosters welcomed back Angus Crichton, while halfback Sam Walker is on track to return from an ankle injury in time for their Preliminary Final against the Dolphins. 

Panthers Sweating on Cleary's foot

The Panthers have plenty to think about after confirming that champion halfback Nathan Cleary sustained a stress-related bone issue in his foot during their qualifying final win over the Roosters. 

Cleary looked visibly uncomfortable in the second half and handed the kicking tee to Dylan Edwards for the conversion of Brian To'o's 78th-minute runaway try.

The club's medical team will continue to assess and monitor Cleary throughout this week. Penrith were also without centre Luke Garner pre-game due to a minor groin strain, with Blaize Talagi shifted into the starting side.

Sharks' Season Sunk by Hynes and Hiroti Setbacks

Cronulla's semi-final exit was compounded by two brutal early blows. Halfback Nicho Hynes failed his HIA inside the opening minutes after his head landed awkwardly in a tackle attempt on rampaging Roosters back-rower Salesi Foketi. He didn't return.

The Sharks then lost centre Mawene Hiroti before half-time when he crashed into the dead ball line fence chasing a kick in the 18th minute. The club has confirmed the injury as a PCL problem.

Knights Breathe Easy on Ponga

Newcastle fans held their breath late in Sunday's thriller against the Warriors when superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga left the field for an HIA following a bone-crunching Leka Halasima hit. 

The good news? Ponga passed the assessment and was back out celebrating with teammates post-game.

Coach Justin Holbrook was bullish about his No.1 taking his place against the Panthers at Accor Stadium. 

Adding to Newcastle's momentum, back-rower Dylan Lucas completed a remarkable comeback from a broken and dislocated ankle, taking the field with 15 minutes remaining.

Warriors and Roosters Weigh up Returns

The Warriors bowed out but not before losing Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (HIA) and Taine Tuaupiki (head knock) at Eden Park.

For the Roosters, Angus Crichton returned in good style after 12 games sidelined with a foot issue, ticking off 31 minutes. 

Halfback Sam Walker is also tracking well to return from his ankle injury in the preliminary final. 

"Pretty confident from what we've seen. Sam has had really good progressions and we'll get a really good gauge on Monday-Tuesday where he is at," coach Trent Robinson said.

With the NRL Preliminary Finals locked in, every team-list Tuesday just got that little bit more interesting for punters weighing up their markets.