Jett Cleary is poised to make his NRL debut this weekend after the halfbacks for the Warriors were sidelined, prompting both Ivan and Nathan to rush to Auckland for the match. Te Maire Martin was slated to return from a hamstring injury after several weeks out, facing the Newcastle Knights in New Zealand.
Yet, it seems Martin won't be hastily brought back for Round 26 due to concerns about his fitness. With Luke Hanson likely to team up with Chanel Harris-Tavita, he's also unavailable, leaving Cleary primed for his debut just a few games before the season ends.
Next year, Cleary will join the Penrith Panthers in what marks Ivan's final season as coach. Initially, his debut with the Warriors looked doubtful with many players ahead of him. However, with recent injuries to Luke Metcalf, Martin, and Harris-Tavita, the NSW Cup star is now stepping in.
According to David Riccio from Code Sports, the Cleary family is eager to get to Auckland for Jett's debut. Nathan Cleary participated in the recent 24-10 win over the Bulldogs, and the family will likely board a flight today for tomorrow's significant occasion for the 21-year-old. His debut follows the decision by the Warriors to let him leave his contract early to join the Panthers while his father is still at the helm.
Although Jett was initially contracted until the end of 2027, he requested an early release to play for his father. Meanwhile, Nathan is also set to finish his contract at the end of 2027, making it a unique opportunity for the Cleary family to all be at the same club.
Jett developed his skills in the Penrith system but signed a three-year deal with the Warriors in 2025 to carve his own path. Unfortunately, the abundance of talented halves at the Warriors had hindered his progress. Nonetheless, he will have the chance to showcase his abilities for Panthers fans against the Knights this weekend, as the Warriors aim for a Top 2 finish, knowing a loss could jeopardize their chances.