The reigning NRL champions were spotted deep in rival territory.
Nathan Cleary was seen supporting his younger brother Jett on Sunday, attending the Warriors vs. Wests Tigers Jersey Flegg match at Campbelltown alongside their father, Ivan, and one of his sisters. Jett, who played halfback for the Warriors’ Under-21 side, helped secure a 20-20 draw.
It marked the Warriors’ first game in Australia since Round 1, and Nathan and Ivan took the chance to cheer Jett on. According to Penrith-based journalist Lachlan Jeffery, the Clearys were also spotted at Wests Leagues Club.
It’s rare to see Penrith icons in the heart of Tigers’ territory, but their presence highlighted their unwavering support for Jett. The 19-year-old, initially part of the Panthers’ system, was once seen as a potential future partner for Nathan in Penrith’s halves.
However, Jett made the bold choice last year to sign a three-year contract with the Warriors, forging his own path. He featured in two pre-season games for the Warriors in February before being assigned to the Jersey Flegg side to develop his game.
Why Jett Cleary Chose the Warriors Over Penrith
Speaking earlier this month, Jett explained his decision to leave behind his father (head coach of the Panthers) and brother, opting for New Zealand instead.
“Obviously, there’s Nathan and Dad doing their thing in Penrith,” he told TV network 1News in Auckland. “I could’ve stayed there and followed their success, but I saw this as a chance to step out of the spotlight, do things my own way, and try to succeed on my own.”
Interestingly, Jett was born in Auckland while Ivan was an assistant coach at the Warriors. He and his family lived there until he was seven before moving back to Australia in 2012.
“I spent most of my time in the creche at the club as a kid, which was always fun,” he recalled. “It’s funny—I used to joke with my friends and my mum that one day I’d play for the Warriors. I guess I spoke it into existence.”
Could Jett Cleary Return to Penrith in 2028?
Panthers fans remain hopeful that Jett will return to Penrith once his contract with the Warriors expires. While he is highly regarded, it’s still uncertain whether he can establish himself as a first-grade player.
His three-year deal aligns with the contracts of Nathan and Ivan, both of whom are set to be off-contract at the end of 2027. The Panthers are eager to secure their long-term futures.
Speculation continues to swirl around Nathan Cleary’s next move. Some believe he may head to England’s Super League to be closer to his girlfriend, Mary Fowler, who plays for Manchester City. Meanwhile, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo recently suggested that Cleary joining the new PNG franchise in 2028 would be a major boost for the competition.
