Jett Cleary: A Rising Star in Rugby League
Jett Cleary a rising star, son of Ivan Cleary, has been building a profile of his own having starred through his junior career before being given a successful pathway to footy with the New Zealand Warriors. From school-level competitions to turning professional, his journey so far is a testament to his dedication, work ethic and enormous potential.
Early Life and Background
Jett Cleary was born on 2 April 2005 in Auckland, New Zealand, where he first started playing rugby league as a junior. His father, Ivan Cleary, was then an assistant coach for the New Zealand Warriors, who made him their head coach in 2006. Jett developed a love for rugby league by being surrounded by professional rugby league players.
Born in New Zealand, raised in Australia, Jett was forced to share in the limelight of his father, along with brother Nathan’s ascent to NRL stardom. It was only natural for Jett to follow in his father’s footsteps with rugby league ingrained in his family.
Junior Development and Education
He went to the well-respected St Dominic’s College in Penrith, which has produced a number of NRL players due to its strong rugby league program. There he honed his skills as he juggled classes and competitive training. He also played for a Penrith junior club, the Penrith Brothers, from which come some of the game’s highest-quality players.
His earlier matches for local teams attracted scouts, and he played for the Penrith Panthers in several junior tournaments. His first taste of club-level football came in 2021 and 2022, when he played five games in the Harold Matthews Cup (Under-17) with Penrith. 2023 was showcasing his talents with the SG Ball Cup (Under-19) at the top level as he graduated from the Under 18 when he continued to hone his skills against the best.
Steady Rise Through the Ranks
At the junior level, Jett made a name for himself, showcasing his dedication and talent with consistent performances. In 2023 he was a widely talented young man when he was picked to represent New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges at the national schoolboys championships.
From there, it was a chance to join the New Zealand Warriors, a choice that would bring him to the place where his family’s rugby league journey started.
Signing with the New Zealand Warriors
In April 2024, Jett Cleary took the biggest step yet in his career when he joined the New Zealand Warriors on a three-year deal effective from the 2025 season. It was also a move that symbolized a return to his birthplace and reconnection with the club that played a prominent part in his father’s coaching career.
“Elite young talent is developed through the Warriors’ pathway system and we are excited about Jett joining our club,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said. This signing was more than just a professional one; it was a sentimental one as well — based on the Cleary family’s long history with the club. The Warriors look to get an all-star level player but ultimately, if Jett can reach his Eloy potential, the two-way wing is an exciting prospect for the future of the franchise.
Playing Style and Strengths
Primarily a halfback at 182 cm 81 kg, Jett Cleary projects intelligence, vision and leadership. His playing style tends to feature quick decision-making, accurate kicking and the ability to control the pace of the game. These attributes have drawn comparisons with Nathan, considered as one of NRL’s best halfbacks.
But Jett is trying to find his own identity within the sport. Knowing that his family may be able to help him navigate through the transition to professional rugby league, he is keen to build his own skill set. Many experts within the junior rugby league system are already taken aback by his ability to read the game as well as execute strategic plays.
The Influence of Family
It has certainly been helpful for Jett growing up in a rugby league household. His father, Ivan, who has played on and coached at the highest levels, gave him a thorough understanding of the game’s ins and outs. His brother Nathan is a powerhouse in the NRL himself and has raised the bar for Jett.
The Cleary family’s footprint runs deeper than just technical ability—Jett has also inherited an incredible work ethic, professionalism and discipline in his approach to the sport. These attributes will be key for him as he integrates into system with the Warriors before the rigors of professional rugby league.
Future Aspirations
In the immediate future Jett Cleary is focused on settling in at New Zealand Warriors and proving he’s a player worth having. Being a work in progress, his ambition lies fully in an NRL debut and a hand in the club’s rise to greatness.
For him, he aims to create a career like his brother and become one of the elite players in the league. Also, given that he continues to develop as he is, he may have a chance to play for his state and/or even country one day!
Conclusion
Jett Cleary, provides a good foundation laid over years with exposure to elite coaching and a family history in the game, he has all it takes to make it. His signing with the New Zealand Warriors represents the start of an exciting new chapter, and as he embarks on his professional journey, he certainly has the potential to make a significant mark on the sport. As rugby league enthusiasts and analysts follow his journey, one thing is for sure: Jett Cleary is destined for greatness.
