Introduction
Jett Cleary Forges Dual Path with Club Title and Surprise Ukraine International Call-Up The young halfback, part of Australia's most prominent rugby league dynasty, is balancing club success with a move into the international arena representing Ukraine, away from the shadow of his famous family. Jett Cleary, the 20-year-old rising star of rugby league, has successfully navigated a pivotal season that has simultaneously delivered major club honours and a surprising call-up to international representative duty. Cleary, the younger brother of Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary and son of coach Ivan Cleary, recently celebrated a victory in the NRL State Championship with the New Zealand Warriors NSW Cup side, continuing a remarkable family tradition of title success on Australian Grand Final day. Days later, news emerged that the halfback is set to make his debut for the Ukrainian national team, bringing a rare heritage angle to the sport’s European competition. The dual developments underscore a defining period in Jett Cleary's career, marked by his decision to relocate to Auckland to pursue his own professional identity. The move away from the high-pressure environment of the reigning NRL champions, where his father and brother coach and play, has allowed the young playmaker to gain valuable experience at a high-level reserve grade competition. This season saw him establish himself as a key fixture in the Warriors' successful second-tier campaign. Club Success and the Cleary Dynasty The New Zealand Warriors NSW Cup team secured a commanding 50-20 victory over the Burleigh Bears in the NRL State Championship Grand Final in October 2025. While Cleary was named on the interchange bench, his presence ensured the Cleary family maintained a five-year streak of Grand Final day success across various competitions. Ivan Cleary, Jett's father, was in attendance at Accor Stadium to witness the victory, a situation that highlighted the deliberate separation in his sons’ careers, given the scheduling prevented Nathan Cleary from attending.
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The victory capped a stellar season for the Warriors' feeder side, who finished as minor premiers of the NSW Cup. Cleary spent much of the season competing for the starting halfback spot, stepping up when injuries elevated other players to the first-grade team. His tenure as the starting halfback during the mid-season period was crucial to maintaining the team's momentum. Warriors legend Shaun Johnson, speaking publicly about the young halfback's progression, noted the innate footballing intelligence the family possesses. "Jett's got that gene, that Cleary gene, where they just go after the contest. He's definitely got it," Johnson stated. He added that playing alongside experienced players like Tanah Boyd, who returned to the reserve-grade side for the finals, offered Cleary a crucial development opportunity, acting as a "great role model for someone like Jett Cleary to sit behind. " Stepping Out of the Shadow Jett Cleary's decision to sign a three-year contract with the Warriors, departing the Penrith system where he grew up, was a clear attempt to forge his own path. He was born in Auckland during his father Ivan's first coaching stint at the club, giving him strong ancestral and personal ties to the organisation. This relocation was framed as a conscious effort to alleviate the immense media scrutiny and expectation that comes with being the sibling of a generational talent.
Speaking earlier in the season about the rationale behind the move, Cleary articulated his desire for independence. "I could've easily stayed there and rode what they're doing now because they are pretty successful, but I thought this was a good opportunity to step out of the limelight a bit and do it my own way and try succeed on my own," he was reported as saying. This sentiment resonates with observers who note the difficulty young athletes face in following in the footsteps of highly decorated family members. International Debut for Ukraine Perhaps the most compelling recent development is Cleary's commitment to representing Ukraine in the upcoming European Championship qualifiers. Cleary is eligible for the nation through his maternal grandmother, Maree, who was born in a German concentration camp during World War II before settling in Australia. This eligibility, shared with his brother Nathan, provides a deeply personal connection to a country currently enduring significant conflict. Cleary is one of several heritage players joining the Ukrainian squad, which is actively seeking to raise the profile of rugby league within the nation and provide a positive focal point for its community. For the young halfback, the motivation extends beyond sport. "My family is proud of our Ukrainian heritage and Nathan actually did convince me, and so did mum and dad," Cleary told a reporter. He emphasised the emotional significance: "Mum was saying that she would love for me to represent her side of the family and also how it will be an awesome experience to go over to Europe, play some footy and meet some new people.
" He also spoke of the mission of the heritage players to "try to shed some light on how they are doing over there," referring to the ongoing situation in Ukraine. The Immediate Outlook As the season concludes, Cleary faces a crucial off-season. While he has demonstrated significant development in the NSW Cup, a clear path to the Warriors’ NRL starting side remains competitive, with established halfbacks ahead of him in the pecking order. However, his performance in the second-tier competition has ensured he is firmly in consideration for a potential first-grade debut in the near future. His commitment to international duty in Europe adds an unusual complexity to his immediate future, requiring him to shift focus and conditioning shortly after the conclusion of the domestic season. Analysts view his progression as highly promising, noting his decision to move as a sign of maturity and determination to build a career based on his own achievements, rather than solely on his family name. The combination of a club title, a move for independence, and an international debut for Ukraine ensures Jett Cleary’s journey continues to capture attention as he strives to carve out his own legacy in the professional game.
Conclusion
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