Round 17 Insights: Andrew Johns identifies crucial marker Cleary must achieve as Panthers face top-ranked Bulldogs

Andrew Johns has indicated that he will quickly determine if Nathan Cleary’s groin issue poses any concern during Thursday’s highly anticipated NRL showdown against Canterbury.

After a rocky start to the season, the Panthers appear to be hitting their stride and are set to take on the ladder-leading Bulldogs in a thrilling match at CommBank Stadium.

All eyes will be focused on Cleary to see if the star halfback has fully recovered from the injury that impacted his performance in last week’s second State of Origin match.

Although Cleary was dressed for the Blues, he struggled to convert kicks and was notably ineffective in the first half, with Queensland racing ahead to a decisive lead by halftime.

He missed Penrith’s trip to Auckland but is ready to return for the crucial Round 17 clash on Thursday night.

Cleary’s role in NSW’s squad for the impending Origin decider is under scrutiny, but he has a prime opportunity to solidify his spot in Laurie Daley’s team.

Should he worsen the groin injury, it could deal a significant blow to the Panthers’ chances and jeopardise Cleary’s position on the Blues roster.

Johns believes that if Cleary does not attempt the first conversion, it could indicate that he is still unfit.

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“For me, goal kicking is a significant indicator,” Johns shared with Wide World of Sports.

“As a goal kicker, you wouldn’t relinquish that role for any reason, especially in a crucial match where you might be needed to kick for the win.”

“If he kicks for goal, it will be a substantial sign of his fitness.”

In Origin II, Cleary deferred his kicking duties to Zac Lomax, who missed crucial conversions, adding to NSW’s woes and contributing to their defeat.

With Penrith’s backup kicker Paul Alamoti absent from Thursday’s squad, Cleary is anticipated to resume those kicking responsibilities.

Both Johns and Brad Fittler have tipped the Bulldogs to emerge victorious against the Panthers.

Check below for the latest leaderboard and Round 17 predictions from Nine’s panel of expert tipsters!

Andrew Johns: Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Knights, Broncos, Dragons, Dolphins, Storm, Cowboys

Brad Fittler: Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Broncos, Eels, Rabbitohs, Storm, Cowboys

Darren Lockyer: Panthers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Broncos, Eels, Dolphins, Storm, Titans

Paul Gallen: Panthers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Broncos, Eels, Dolphins, Sharks, Titans

David Middleton: Panthers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Broncos, Eels, Rabbitohs, Storm, Cowboys

Mat Thompson: Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Broncos, Eels, Rabbitohs, Storm, Cowboys

Peter Psaltis: Panthers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Broncos, Eels, Dolphins, Storm, Cowboys

The Mole: Panthers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Broncos, Eels, Dolphins, Storm, Cowboys

Ben Glover: Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Broncos, Dragons, Rabbitohs, Storm, Cowboys