Penrith NRL superstar Nathan Cleary ruled out of State of Origin series due to hamstring injury

NSW will need a new halfback for the next two State of Origin games after Nathan Cleary was ruled out for six weeks with a hamstring injury.

It’s a major blow for the Blues who lost the series opener and must win the remaining games in Brisbane and Sydney if they want to reclaim the shield.

Cleary wasn’t at his best in game one but boasts a 5-0 record in game twos throughout his Origin career.

The 25-year-old was visibly distressed when he felt his hamstring go in the first half of Penrith’s win over the Dragons as he tried to chase to make a tackle.

Cleary was in obvious pain when he was forced from the field during Penrith’s win over the Dragons on Sunday night (pictured)

Cronulla half Nicho Hynes is the favourite to fill in for Cleary in the No.7 jersey when the Blues try to rescue the series against Queensland 

He tried to stretch it out but the trainer gave up immediately with the halfback forced from the field where he watched the second half with a bag of ice on his left leg.

‘Scans have revealed the representative halfback will be sidelined for up to six weeks,’ the Panthers wrote in a statement.

The news means the Blues will have to make a major change in the halves, with reigning Dally M medallist Nicho Hynes the favourite to claim the No.7 jersey given he came off the bench in Adelaide.

‘It’s disappointing for him because he loves playing for Penrith, he’s a key factor for us performing well,’ Panthers lock Isaah Yeo said after the Dragons’ clash.

‘It’s the same as Origin, it’s disappointing because he’s worked so hard on his game.

‘That’s footy sometimes, you have those unlucky moments.

‘But what I do know is that he’ll attack his rehab better than anyone.’

Cleary was criticised for his poor game in the Blues’ loss in the first Origin match last Wednesday – but would’ve been a certain starter for game two if healthy 

Cronulla half Nicho Hynes – who only got a few minutes of game time in the loss to the Maroons – is the early favourite to fill Cleary’s boots at Suncorp Stadium on June 21

Cleary cut a forlorn figure on the sidelines at BlueBet Stadium on Sunday and NSW coach Brad Fittler is likely to be experiencing similar feelings as the Blues bid to save the series in Brisbane.

Cronulla’s Nicho Hynes, Parramatta No.7 Mitchell Moses and Brisbane halfback Adam Reynolds are all possible candidates to replace the Penrith lynchpin.

All three have experience within the Blues set-up, with Hynes debuting off the bench in last week’s series-opening defeat in Adelaide.

Cleary’s Penrith and NSW teammate Brian To’o said Hynes could fill the void in Brisbane.

‘Clez’s job is to direct us and tell us where to go,’ To’o said.

‘Whether he plays or not, I’m sure whoever steps up will get the job done.

‘Nicho is definitely someone who takes a lot of pride in playing footy and he can live up to the jersey and do his job for the team.’

But Blues coach Brad Fittler could look elsewhere, with Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds another option in the halves given they played together for so long at Souths and have been in terrific form for their clubs this year.