Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary will miss State of Origin III on July 10 after being diagnosed with a high grade lateral ankle injury that will see him miss a minimum four weeks.

Cleary injured himself in NSW’s massive victory over QLD in Perth on Sunday night.

The Blues have a couple of options in Cleary’s absence with utility bench player Wade Graham a chance of moving into the halves to partner Cronulla teammate James Maloney.