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Live sport on SN this weekendJett Cleary requests early release from Warriors to join Panthers
Sport Nation • August 13th, 2026 10:48 am
Jett Cleary | Photo: Joshua Devenie/Photosport
Jett Cleary has reportedly asked the Warriors for an early release from his contract to link up with Penrith in 2027.
The Daily Telegraph reports the young playmaker is hoping to return to the Panthers, where he would join father Ivan and older brother Nathan.
Nathan’s contract expires at the end of 2027, while Ivan has also confirmed 2027 will also be his last season coaching, after leading the side to four premiership wins.
Jett Cleary lines up a conversion | Photo: Joshua Davis/Photosport
The move would continue Penrith’s long-running Cleary connection, and is the final chance for both sons to be coached by their father.
Jett is currently on the Warriors’ books and has been developing through NSW Cup under Andrew Webster, but is yet to make his NRL debut.
The Warriors and Panthers are now reportedly in discussions over what a potential release would look like, with Cleary’s request adding another layer to the growing intrigue around the famous rugby league family.
Nathan and Ivan Cleary are both off contract at the end of 2027 | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
Webster recently told SEN’s The Run Home there’s a lot in store for the 21-year-old at the Warriors.
“He definitely is in our we love having him around.”
And with the departure of Luke Metcalf and Cleary's NSW Cup halves partner Luke Hanson at the end of 2026, Cleary is two spots closer to making his debut next season.
The news comes after a top-of-the-table clash last weekend, where the Warriors beat the Panthers 28-12, and the Cleary's were able to reunite after the game.
There was also recent speculation Nathan could be joining the Warriors, however he shared it would simply limit opportunity for his brother who came to New Zealand to make his own name in the NRL.
“At the end of the day, even if that was an option, I'd be blocking my little brother's pathway."
