Jett Cleary Signs With Penrith Until 2028, Rejoining Brother Nathan and Father Ivan
Jett Cleary has signed a two-year deal with the Penrith Panthers, taking him to the end of the 2028 season. The 21-year-old halfback comes home after two seasons with the Warriors, NRL.com reported on Friday.
He joins his brother Nathan in the Penrith squad, and his father Ivan will coach him in 2027.
A Penrith junior coming home
Jett went to St Dominic’s College and came through the Panthers pathways, playing Harold Matthews Cup and SG Ball for the club. In 2023 he represented NSW Combined Catholic Colleges at the Australian Schoolboys Championships.
He then moved to Auckland. His NRL debut came for the Warriors against Newcastle in Round 26, and he made three try assists and three tackle breaks in a 46-32 win.
“We’re excited to have Jett return to the club,” said Shane Elford, Penrith’s general manager of rugby league. “He’s a talented young halfback who came through our pathways, and it’s been pleasing to see him continue his development and earn his NRL debut.”
Could the brothers play together?
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that Jett looms as a real option to partner Nathan in the halves next season, with Blaize Talagi out with an Achilles injury and Jack Cogger playing a utility role. The paper also said 2027 will be Ivan Cleary’s last season as coach.
Nathan’s own contract is the bigger question. The Bulletin said he is reportedly close to a long-term extension, despite rumoured interest from the PNG Chiefs. Our earlier post covers Nathan Cleary’s contract and the Chiefs.
More Penrith deals to come
Penrith are also hoping to keep forwards Isaah Yeo, Moses Leota and Liam Martin, the Bulletin reported. Our Liam Martin contract post has the interest from the Broncos and Sharks.
Leota is busy this weekend first. He starts at prop for the Kiwis against Tonga in Saturday night’s World Cup semi-final in Newcastle, which kicks off at 9.05am UK time.
