Jett Cleary said signing a three-year contract with the New Zealand Warriors was an "opportunity to create my own path".
The son of former Warriors' coach Ivan and brother of Penrith Panthers star Nathan signed the deal to join the side in April last year.
Jett came up through the Penrith Panthers' system, playing at Harold Matthews Cup level in 2021 and 2022 before going up to the SG Ball Cup last year and again last season.
"Obviously, there's Nathan and Dad that got their own thing going in Penrith, I could've easily stayed there and rode what they're doing now were doing now because they are pretty successful, but I thought this was a good opportunity to step out of the lime light a bit and do it my own way and try succeed on my own," Jett said.
The 19-year-old has been training with the first grade side but is likely to be playing in the Warriors under-21 team.
"I've had some injuries over the last few years so looking to get a full season of footy in, wherever that takes me, that's whatever happens, but I'm just excited to learn," he said.
The 19-year-old has been training with the first grade side but is likely to be playing in the Warriors under-21 team. (Source: 1News)
Jett Cleary was born in Auckland on April 2, 2005, just as Ivan was beginning his role as an assistant coach with the Warriors before becoming head coach in 2006.
He lived in New Zealand until the age of 7 while his father coached the Warriors.
"Most of the time I was in the creche in the little kids section that was always fun, it's so weird because I used to joke with my mates and my mum that I'll go play for the Warriors one day."
He said he had "always been" a fan because it was the team he grew up supporting.
"I always joke with Mum that I kind of spoke it into existence I think, I love the Warriors and I've always wanted to play for them."
The 2025 NRL season kicks off on March 1 with the Penrith Panthers facing the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks alongside the clash between the Canberra Raiders and the New Zealand Warriors.
