Warriors halfback Jett Cleary has been granted an early release from the final year of his contract to return to Sydney, where he is expected to join the Penrith Panthers. The 21-year-old playmaker leaves New Zealand a year ahead of schedule to play alongside his brother Nathan and under his father Ivan Cleary.
The departure of the young halfback brings a swift end to a tenure that began when the Warriors initially signed Cleary to a three-year deal in 2024 from the Panthers. Although Jett Cleary has yet to make his NRL debut, he established himself as a central pillar of the Warriors’ NSW Cup side, helping the club secure two titles last year, including the State Championship. Over 19 NSW Cup appearances this season, he scored six tries and provided nine try assists while preparing for a spot in the top-30 squad.
Behind the scenes, however, the request generated friction. Despite the minor spat, both clubs are resolving the matter to grant the player’s wish ahead of Ivan Cleary’s final year as an NRL head coach.
Warriors Roster Shuffling and Halves Depth
Recruitment boss Andrew McFadden indicated the club was keen for Cleary to stay but ultimately accepted his reasons for wanting home. The roster shift leaves Auckland with three halves possessing NRL experience contracted for next season: Tanah Boyd, Chanel Harris-Tavita, and Te Maire Martin.
Medical rehabilitation shapes much of that depth. Boyd, who is contracted until the end of 2029 alongside Harris-Tavita, is recovering from an ACL injury and expected to return early next year. Uncapped five-eighth Jye Linnane also occupies a top-30 spot while fighting back from back-to-back ACL injuries in the NSW Cup, where he spent time playing out of position at centre.
Further down the developmental ranks, the club features Australian halfback prospect Jack Thompson in the Jersey Flegg under-21 competition, alongside former Tasman Mako Harry Inch. The Warriors also re-signed Noah Jensen following his successful return from a bone marrow transplant.
Nathan Cleary Free Agency Speculation and PNG Rumors
Jett’s return to Sydney immediately supercharges speculation surrounding his older brother. Nathan Cleary’s current Panthers contract expires at the end of 2027, making the superstar halfback free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1. Previously, Nathan indicated a reluctance to join the Warriors out of concern for blocking his younger brother’s path. With Jett now heading back to Penrith, that roadblock dissolves.
Photo: NZ Herald
“I keep hearing from very good sources and I’ll repeat myself, I’m told he is going to go to November 1,”
Photo: Newstalkzb
Dean Ritchie, Code Sports journalist
Speaking on NRL 360, Code Sports reporter Dean Ritchie identified the New Zealand Warriors as a major threat to poach Nathan once he hits the open market, noting that the franchise never left the frame given Ivan Cleary’s historical ties coaching the Auckland side between 2006 and 2011.
While expansion side the PNG Chiefs have made clear ambitions to lure a marquee playmaker—with Matty Johns revealing on SEN radio that the expansion club believes they are in the hunt for either Nathan Cleary or Roosters halfback Sam Walker due to lucrative financial offers—reporting rules out a move to Papua New Guinea for the Penrith half.
Jett Cleary | NSW Cup | Jersey Flegg | 2025 HIGHLIGHTS | Warriors
