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Warriors confirm Jett Cleary's early release
Sport Nation • August 19th, 2026 2:07 pm
Jett Cleary | Photo: Photosport
Jett Cleary will leave the NZ Warriors at the end of the 2026 season after requesting and being granted an early release from the final year of his contract.
The 21-year-old halfback joined the Warriors on a three-year deal in late 2024 and was due to remain in Auckland through to the end of 2027.
Cleary is now set to return home to Australia, set to reunite with his father Ivan and older brother Nathan at Penrith, with Ivan set to coach the Panthers for one final season in 2027.
The move would give the Cleary family one last opportunity to work together, but the Panthers have not confirmed that Jett will join the club.
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Cleary is yet to make his NRL debut, but has continued to develop through the Warriors’ NSW Cup side and was viewed as part of the club’s future plans. The Warriors had previously indicated they were excited about what lay ahead for the young playmaker.
Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden said the club was disappointed to lose Cleary but accepted his reasons for wanting to return home.
“We were keen for Jett to stay but we accept his reasons for wanting to go home,” McFadden said.
“We look forward to him finishing the season well and we wish him the best for what lies ahead.”
Cleary’s release adds another twist to the growing story around the famous rugby league family.
It also comes after speculation linking Nathan Cleary with a potential move to the Warriors, with the Panthers superstar previously acknowledging that joining Auckland could limit his younger brother’s pathway at Penrith.
For now, Jett will finish the season with the Warriors before returning to Australia and deciding the next step in his career.
