NRL

The Penrith Panthers have received a significant boost with co-captain Isaah Yeo avoiding surgery after suffering a pectoral injury in Friday night’s loss to the Warriors.

Yeo was forced from the field late in the first half after appearing to suffer the injury while attempting to make a tackle, immediately raising fears that his season could be over.

However, subsequent scans have delivered positive news for the Panthers, with the club confirming Yeo will not require surgery and can begin his rehabilitation immediately.

The news keeps the door open for the influential lock forward to return before the end of the NRL season, although the Panthers are yet to put a definitive timeframe on his recovery.

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Yeo’s potential return would be a huge boost for Penrith as they chase another premiership, having established himself as one of the most important players in the club’s recent dynasty.

The 31-year-old has been remarkably durable throughout his career and remains one of the game’s premier ball-playing forwards, making his absence a significant concern for the Panthers as they enter the closing stages of the regular season.

Penrith suffered a heavy 28-12 defeat to the Warriors in Yeo’s absence, with the result leaving the minor premiership race increasingly tight with just three rounds remaining.

The Panthers remain atop the ladder on points differential, but the Sydney Roosters are level on competition points and will have the opportunity to take control of the race when the two sides meet on Thursday night.

Yeo’s recovery will now be closely monitored, with Penrith hoping their co-captain can make his return in time for the finals and potentially keep his hopes of representing Australia at the World Cup alive.

NRL

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