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Live sport on SN this weekendJett Cleary confirmed for NRL debut, Martin and Harris-Tavita ruled out of Knights clash
Sport Nation •  August 29th, 2026 4:00 pm
Jett Cleary | Photo: Joshua Devenie/Photosport
Jett Cleary will make his NRL debut at halfback for the NZ Warriors against the Newcastle Knights at Go Media Stadium on Sunday.
The 21-year-old playmaker has impressed in NSW Cup with six tries and nine try assists this season, and now he gets his chance in first grade, debuting for the club his father once played for and coached to an NRL Grand Final.
Cleary will partner with Luke Hanson in the halves, with both Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin confirmed to miss the Round 26 fixture due to hamstring issues.
Hanson will play just his third NRL game against the team he made his debut against earlier in the season.
The 22-year-old most recently sent the Warriors to the top of the NRL ladder, a successful field goal at full-time bumped the Penrith Panthers off top billing due to points differential.
Now back in second spot, the Warriors will look to extend their win streak to five in a row with the halves pairing that this year has been tasked with guiding their NSW Cup side's title defence.
Jett Cleary will have a reunion with his family, including coaching dad Ivan, at Penrith in 2027 | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
CODE Sports chief sports writer Dave Riccio is reporting that the Cleary family are looking to be in Auckland for what will be a monumental moment for them.
The Knights were paying $3.90 with TAB before reports emerged about Jett Cleary potentially making his debut.
Off the back of this being confirmed, the visitors have firmed into $2.75, highlighting the immediate impact the news has had on the betting market.
All TAB odds are current at the time of publishing - R18, please gamble responsibly.
Tune into Sport Nation from 3pm Sunday with Sam Ackerman, Blake Ayshford and Anthony Gelling providing live and free commentary, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm.
Luke Hanson's field goal puts Warriors top of the NRL | Warriors Live
