Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has two sons, Nathan and Jett, both of whom have pursued professional rugby league careers. On Sunday, August 30, 2026, 21-year-old Jett made his NRL debut for the New Zealand Warriors and produced four try assists in a 46-32 win over Newcastle, with Ivan and Nathan watching from the stands. 

Introduction

Questions about Ivan Cleary children have attracted renewed attention after his younger son, Jett Cleary, made a spectacular NRL debut for the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday.

Jett, 21, helped the Warriors defeat the Newcastle Knights 46-32 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, recording four try assists in his first NRL appearance. His father Ivan and older brother Nathan Cleary travelled to Auckland to watch the milestone, creating a significant moment for one of rugby league's best-known families.

The result also had major competition implications. The Warriors moved to the top of the NRL ladder with one regular-season round remaining, while Ivan and Nathan's Penrith Panthers remained firmly in the race for the minor premiership.

Who Are Ivan Cleary's Children?

Ivan Cleary has two sons, Nathan and Jett Cleary.

Nathan, born in 1997, is the older of the two and has established himself as one of the NRL's leading halfbacks with the Penrith Panthers. Jett, born in 2005, is the younger brother and has followed a similar rugby league pathway.

Jett was born in Auckland while Ivan was playing for the Warriors. Nathan also has a strong connection with the club through his family's time in New Zealand. NRL.com has previously documented the brothers' relationship and Jett's efforts to establish his own career away from the shadow of his father and older brother.

The Cleary family connection to rugby league is therefore unusually strong: Ivan has been a professional player and successful NRL coach, Nathan is a premiership-winning halfback, and Jett is now beginning his first-grade career.

What Happened in Jett Cleary's NRL Debut?

Jett's opportunity came after injuries affected the Warriors' established halves.

The club confirmed before the match that Jett would partner Luke Hanson in the halves against Newcastle. The Warriors described the pairing as the least experienced halves combination in the club's NRL history. Jett became Warriors player No. 301.

The selection was initially viewed as a major test for the young halfback.

Instead, Jett responded with one of the most impressive debut performances of the season.

He showed composure with the ball, contributed an effective kicking game and created opportunities for teammates. By the end of the match, he had produced four try assists, helping the Warriors secure an important victory. ABC reported that his three first-half try assists were particularly influential as the Warriors established control.

Fox Sports reported that his four try assists represented the most on an NRL debut since records dating back to 1999.

Key Details From the Warriors' Win

The major points from Jett Cleary's debut include:

• Player: Jett Cleary
• Age: 21
• Club: New Zealand Warriors
• Position: Halfback
• NRL debut: August 30, 2026
• Opponent: Newcastle Knights
• Result: Warriors won 46-32
• Try assists: Four
• Line-break assists: Two, according to Fox Sports
• Father in attendance: Ivan Cleary
• Brother in attendance: Nathan Cleary
• NRL ladder impact: Warriors moved to first place

The Warriors' official team information confirms that Jett and Hanson were selected because Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita were unavailable.

Why Ivan Cleary Had Mixed Emotions

The result created an unusual situation for Ivan Cleary.

As the father of a debuting player, he had obvious reason to celebrate Jett's performance. But Ivan is also the head coach of the Penrith Panthers, while Nathan plays for Penrith.

The Warriors' victory put them at the top of the ladder, while Penrith remained in second. That meant Jett's outstanding performance simultaneously helped the Warriors' premiership campaign and complicated the ladder position of the team coached by his father and led by his brother.

That explains the "mixed emotions" surrounding the occasion.

There was also a personal element. Ivan and Nathan were not simply watching another NRL match. They had travelled to Auckland specifically to support Jett during a major milestone in his career. ABC confirmed both were in attendance for the debut.

Jett Cleary Is Building His Own Career

Despite the obvious family comparisons, Jett has been working to establish his own identity as a footballer.

He joined the Warriors after developing through the Penrith system and spending time in the NSW Cup. NRL.com reported in 2025 that Jett had moved to the Warriors partly to forge his own career away from Nathan and Ivan.

His NSW Cup numbers also showed why the Warriors eventually gave him an NRL opportunity.

The Warriors' official player profile lists Jett with 19 NSW Cup appearances in 2026, six tries and nine try assists before his NRL debut. His profile also records 52 successful goals and 11 line-break assists during the season.

That development provided the foundation for Sunday's breakthrough.

Jett and Nathan Cleary's Rugby League Relationship

The relationship between Nathan and Jett has also attracted attention throughout Jett's development.

Nathan is already an established NRL star, while Jett has had to work through the lower grades before receiving his first-grade opportunity.

NRL.com previously reported that Jett even sought advice from Nathan when preparing for Warriors opposition sessions involving the Panthers. Nathan joked about having to help his younger brother prepare while also facing the possibility of playing against him professionally.

That dynamic could become even more interesting as Jett's career develops.

What Officials and the Warriors Said

The Warriors officially confirmed Jett's selection ahead of the match and highlighted the inexperience of the new halves combination.

The club's recruitment and pathways general manager, Andrew McFadden, had also previously confirmed that Jett would leave the Warriors at the end of the 2026 season after requesting and receiving a release from the final year of his contract.

The Warriors said Jett had originally joined the club on a three-year deal but wanted to return home to Australia.

That makes his debut particularly significant. Jett has now reached the NRL level with the Warriors before the next stage of his career takes him back to Penrith.

Why This Matters for the Cleary Family

Jett's debut adds another chapter to one of Australian rugby league's most prominent sporting families.

Ivan Cleary has already experienced major success as a coach, while Nathan has become one of the game's most recognised players. Jett now has his own NRL milestone.

But Sunday's match was important beyond the family story.

Jett did not merely appear in an NRL game. He played a significant role in a 46-32 victory, creating tries and handling the pressure of a first-grade debut in front of a sold-out Auckland crowd.

The performance gives him a strong foundation for whatever comes next.

What Happens Next?

Jett is expected to return to the Panthers at the conclusion of the 2026 season after the Warriors granted his request for a release. The club confirmed the decision on August 19.

For the immediate future, the Warriors have one regular-season match remaining against Manly Warringah. The club's official team update said established halves Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita were expected to train fully the following week.

For Ivan and Nathan, meanwhile, the debut offered a memorable family moment regardless of the ladder implications.

Jett now has his first NRL appearance—and an unusually impressive one—to build upon.

FAQs

How many children does Ivan Cleary have?

Ivan Cleary has two sons, Nathan and Jett Cleary. Both have pursued careers in professional rugby league.

Who is Jett Cleary?

Jett Cleary is Ivan Cleary's younger son and Nathan Cleary's younger brother. He is a halfback who made his NRL debut for the New Zealand Warriors on August 30, 2026.

How did Jett Cleary perform on his NRL debut?

Jett produced an outstanding debut, recording four try assists in the Warriors' 46-32 victory over the Newcastle Knights.

Who is Ivan Cleary's older son?

Nathan Cleary is Ivan Cleary's older son. Nathan is the Penrith Panthers halfback and has established himself as one of the NRL's leading players.

Were Ivan and Nathan Cleary at Jett's NRL debut?

Yes. Ivan Cleary and Nathan Cleary travelled to Auckland and were present for Jett's first NRL match for the Warriors.

Is Jett Cleary related to Nathan Cleary?

Yes. Jett and Nathan are brothers, and both are sons of Ivan Cleary. NRL.com has previously documented their relationship and their shared rugby league background.

Will Jett Cleary stay with the Warriors?

No. The Warriors confirmed that Jett requested and was granted a release from the final year of his contract. He is set to leave the club at the end of the 2026 season.

What team will Jett Cleary play for after leaving the Warriors?

The available reporting indicates Jett is set to return to Penrith after the 2026 season, potentially bringing the three Clearys even closer together professionally. His exact long-term role and playing arrangements should be confirmed by the club.