Halfback Cleary signed for three years

The Cleary name is returning to the One New Zealand Warriors with confirmation Penrith Panthers halfback Jett Cleary has signed a three-year contract with the club from next season.

The 19-year-old brings impressive pedigree as the son of former Warriors and current three-time premiership-winning Penrith coach Ivan and brother of Panthers, New South Wales and Kangaroos halfback Nathan (26).

The youngest Cleary has forged his own path through the famous rugby league nursery St Dominic’s College in Penrith and the Panthers’ development teams in the Harold Matthews Cup (under-17) and the SG Ball Cup (under-19).

His signing comes just a week after the One New Zealand Warriors and Penrith combined to pave the way for Kiwi captain James Fisher-Harris to return home to join the Warriors from next season.

“It’s an exciting time for us to be able to bring a player of Jett’s quality into our pathways system from next season,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.

The Cleary family has the strongest links with our club through Ivan’s time with us and it’s a special thrill to sign Jett and have the Cleary name back with us.

Cameron George One New Zealand Warriors CEO

“The Cleary family has the strongest links with our club through Ivan’s time with us and it’s a special thrill to sign Jett and have the Cleary name back with us.

“We’re again truly grateful for the cooperation from Penrith and Ivan in helping to make this possible.”

Cleary played for the Panthers at Harold Matthews Cup level in 2021 and 2022 before going up to the SG Ball Cup last year and again this season.

“Jett has a big future in front of him and we’re excited to give him the chance to develop in our system,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.

“While he was only young when he left New Zealand to go back to Australia, Jett has the benefit of strong family ties with the club and with Auckland as well.

‘He brings wonderful pedigree with him as well as a great understanding of the game after coming through Penrith’s fantastic pathways.”

Jett Cleary was born in Auckland on April 2, 2005, just as Ivan was beginning his role as an assistant coach with the One New Zealand Warriors before becoming head coach in 2006.

As well as playing for Penrith’s Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams, Cleary also represented the New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges at the national schoolboys championships last year.