Departing Penrith Panthers hooker Api Koroisau has backed Nathan Cleary to star as he returns from suspension in the side’s top 4 finals clash against arch rivals Parramatta on Friday night.

Cleary was sent off against the Eels after a spear tackle on Dylan Brown and was rubbed out of the NRL for five weeks.

“He was pretty much out there (training) every day, Nathan,” Koroisau told westernweekender.com.au.

“It was good that he was suspended and not injured because it allowed him to do that.

“Just the quality of Nathan, coming back into this side will pick us up – I have no doubt.”

Koroisau is headed to Wests Tigers in 2023 but has a chance to go out as a back-to-back champion at the Panthers.

Yeah… that’s probably as good as it gets for anyone.”