Jett Cleary is set to return to Australia to play for the Penrith Panthers next season with brother Nathan Cleary and father Ivan Cleary.
The New Zealand Warriors have officially agreed to release Cleary with 12 months remaining on his contract.
In 2024, Jett signed a three-year deal with the Warriors to join the club in 2025, and his request to leave the club was a surprise to the New Zealand-based organisation.
The Daily Telegraph revealed that the young playmaker expressed his desire to return to the Panthers to be coached by Ivan in his final season as the club's head coach. Jett Cleary will leave after the 2026 season has concluded.
New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden expressed that despite the club wanting Jett to stay, the club accepted his reasons for seeking an early exit.
“We were keen for Jett to stay, but we accept his reasons for wanting to go home,” said the One New Zealand Warriors general manager.
"We look forward to him finishing the season well, and we wish him the best for what lies ahead.”
There was speculation after Luke Metcalf injured his hamstring against the Broncos that Jett would make his NRL debut before the finals.
However, the club has gone with Chanel Harris-Tavita to play with the number 7 jersey.
Te Maire Martin is expected to return before the finals, and Tanah Boyd is on the sidelines recovering from an ACL injury he sustained earlier in the season.
Luke Hanson will play in the five-eighth role this week against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The Panthers recently extended Casey McLean to the end of the 2030 season and Paul Alamoti to the end of the 2029 season.
It has also been confirmed Brian To'o will leave the Panthers after the 2027 season to play for the PNG Chiefs, while Liam Martin has made a demand to the club regarding contract talks and a surprise update has been made about Nathan Cleary's future.
Jett Cleary has been named to play halfback in NSW Cup against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday afternoon.
