The New Zealand Warriors have officially inked a three-year deal with Jett Cleary, the talented halfback from the Penrith Panthers. Jett, son of former Warriors coach Ivan Cleary and sibling to Panthers standout Nathan, joins the Warriors after a successful stint in the Panthers’ youth system.

This signing follows closely on the heels of a groundbreaking agreement between the Warriors and Panthers, facilitating the move of Kiwi captain James Fisher-Harris to the Warriors for the upcoming season.

Expressing enthusiasm about Cleary’s addition, Warriors CEO Cameron George remarked, “It’s a thrilling moment for us to welcome Jett, a player of exceptional caliber, into our development pathways. With the Cleary family’s deep ties to our club through Ivan’s tenure, it’s truly special to have Jett carrying on the Cleary legacy with us.”

Cleary, who hails from Auckland, showcased his talent in the Panthers’ youth ranks, excelling in the Harold Matthews Cup before progressing to the SG Ball Cup in recent years. Warriors’ GM of recruitment, pathways, and development, Andrew McFadden, commented, “Jett possesses immense potential, and we’re eager to nurture his growth within our system. Despite relocating to Australia at a young age, Jett’s strong family connections to the club and Auckland offer a solid foundation for his development.”

Born in Auckland in April 2005, Jett Cleary’s journey intersects with the Warriors’ rich history, as his father Ivan commenced his coaching tenure with the club during Jett’s birth year, eventually taking the helm as head coach in 2006.