The New Zealand Warriors have confirmed Jett Cleary will make his NRL debut against the Newcastle Knights on Sunday after a late reshuffle in the halves.
Cleary was not originally named in the Warriors' side, with Te Maire Martin selected at halfback and Chanel Harris-Tavita at five-eighth.
However, both have been ruled out of the clash through injury, forcing the Warriors into a major overhaul with Luke Hanson now joining Cleary in the halves.
Martin was due to make his return from a hamstring injury, while Harris-Tavita has suffered a minor hamstring issue and is expected to miss just the one game.
“It has been decided not to risk the established halves this week,” the Warriors confirmed in a statement.
The changes leave the Warriors with a halves pairing that has a combined total of just two NRL appearances.
Hanson made his NRL debut in Round 6 against the Knights earlier this season, but has only played one further first-grade game since.
The pair's lack of experience makes them the least experienced halves combination in NRL history, with both players having spent significant time playing together in the NSW Cup.
They are also both products of the Penrith Panthers' junior system, having come through the club's pathways before taking different routes to the Warriors.
For Cleary, Sunday's match will mark the beginning of his NRL career at just 21 years of age with his family rushing to make it to Auckland in time.
The halfback has enjoyed a strong NSW Cup campaign in 2026, making 19 appearances while scoring six tries and laying on nine try assists.
Cleary is set to return to Penrith next season after being granted a release from the Warriors on compassionate grounds.
His debut comes at a crucial point of the Warriors' season, with Andrew Webster's side fighting for the minor premiership and multiple home finals.
The Knights will also have plenty to play for, with Newcastle chasing a Top Four finish and the home final that comes with it.
With both sides fighting for significant finals advantages, the Warriors will be hoping their inexperienced halves pairing can rise to the occasion.
