Cleary: 'Just cool to play for my dad’s old club, awesome'

Jett Cleary wasn’t even born the last time the Warriors were NRL minor premiers but he’s played a small part in the Auckland club possibly claiming a second JJ Giltinan Shield after 24 years. 

The 21-year-old became Warrior #301 on Sunday at Go Media Stadium, making his debut in front of Warrior #73, his father and Penrith coach Ivan, plus his premiership-winning brother Nathan, his mum Rebecca ad sisters Indi and Milaya. 

With the Warriors and Panthers neck-and-neck at the top of the table – both on 40 points – it brings up an intriguing situation of who Jett may be cheering for come finals time, or even the possibility of playing against his famous sibling and father. 

For the moment the Cleary bloodline is strong as all five members of his family travelled from Sydney to Auckland for Jett’s debut. 

“I’m so grateful for my family and that they were able to make it,” he told Fox League after the Warriors were able to subdue a 12-man Knights side 46-32. 

The 14-point margin was enough to give the Wahs top spot over Ivan's Panthers by a single point on for and against (+309 to +308).

“It’s also just cool to play for my dad’s old club - it was awesome," said Jett after he and Ivan became the second father-son combination to represent the Warriors following Steve and Riley Price earlier this month.

“It was just everything I’ve dreamed it to be. It was so much fun - I have such a good group of boys to play with.

“This team’s unreal, forward pack’s unreal. It was just so cool, it was awesome to be out here at Mt Smart as well, packed house. It was mad.” 

Cleary played halfback for the recuperating Chanel Harris-Tavita (hamstring) and had three try assists, three tackle breaks, 13 kicks for 220 metres and made 14 tackles – mostly from players nearly twice his size running at him. 

“I just thought he looked like he belonged,” said Warriors skipper Mitch Barnett post-match. 

“For a young half – and trust me I’m nowhere near a half – they just want to tackle well and kick well. He also defended well. 

“Jett held his gloves up, mate...  he’ll only get better each time he takes the field now.” 

Warriors coach Andrew Webster names his Round 27 team on Tuesday and may again have Cleary on his extended bench as he did in the Round 25 win against the Rabbitohs when he was an unused reserve and Round 26 when he was called in late in the week to debut.