Jett Cleary has officially been released by the Warriors, opening the door for him to potentially debut in the top grade alongside his brother Nathan during their father's final coaching season in the NRL.
On Wednesday, the Warriors announced the release of the younger Cleary brother from the final year of his contract, allowing him to move to Penrith.
The 21-year-old halfback is set to join the Panthers just as older brother Nathan's contract comes to an end, while their father Ivan is scheduled to leave the club after the 2027 season.
Next year presents Jett Cleary with his only opportunity to play under his father at an NRL club, as Ivan will focus on representative coaching afterwards.
Having joined the Warriors at the close of 2024, Jett has found himself lower in the selection lineup at the Kiwi club.
This season, he was passed over for NRL spots in favor of Tanah Boyd, Te Maire Martin, Luke Metcalf, Chanel Harris-Tavita, and Luke Hanson.
Although Metcalf has signed with St George Illawarra for 2027, the Warriors have made it clear they are prioritizing Boyd, Martin, and Harris-Tavita by re-signing all three.
In a recent away match against South Sydney, the Warriors opted to start Hanson in the halves instead of Cleary.
Despite their intention to keep Cleary, who was instrumental in winning the NSW Cup grand final and State Championship with the Warriors last season, their plans have shifted.
"We were keen for Jett to stay but we accept his reasons for wanting to go home," stated Andrew McFadden, the Warriors' general manager of recruitment, pathways, and development.
Over the past two years, Cleary has played 32 games in the NSW Cup for the Warriors and will stay with the team until the season concludes.