August 30, 2026 — 4:53pmIvan Cleary would have sat in a corporate box at Go Media Stadium with mixed emotions on Sunday afternoon.His 21-year-old son Jett had just made his NRL debut for the New Zealand Warriors and more than held his own.Jett Cleary shone on debut for the Warriors on Sunday.Getty ImagesHis kicking game was excellent, he survived plenty of early pressure from the Newcastle Knights, and finished with four try assists, including stepping off his left foot and throwing the final pass for Jacob Laban in the first half.Jett’s older famous brother Nathan, who also made the trek to New Zealand, was caught by the TV cameras having a giggle when the playmaker was upended by the Knights late, and a melee erupted.While Jett will never forget the sunny – then rainy – afternoon when he helped the Warriors to a 46-32 win over the Knights, the result also meant Ivan and Nathan’s Penrith suddenly dropped to second on the ladder.The Panthers head into the final round trailing the Warriors by just one points on points differential. Thanks, Jett.The Cleary family congratulate Jett at full-time.Getty ImagesThe Warriors will host Manly while the Panthers complete the final regular-season clash against the Wests Tigers. Either way, both teams are now assured of a home qualifying final.Warriors coach Andrew Webster is firming to be crowned Dally M coach of the year for guiding the Warriors to a potential minor premiership, not to mention build a squad with such excellent depth.Jett, who will return home to Penrith to be coached by Ivan next year before he walks away from the Panthers to spend time with family, travel and potentially coach representative sides, was only given his start following injuries in the halves to Luke Metcalf (hamstring), Te Maire Martin (hamstring) and Chanel Harris-Tavita (calf).The Warriors have been protective of Jett, who has always attracted plenty of interest because of his bloodline.Maybe he plays again next week now Webster has the opportunity to rest a few of his mainliners knowing it will not impact the club’s chances of hosting a week-one final.The Knights will also play finals, but– the loss to the Warriors proved costly, with representative prop Jacob Saifiti sent off and a chance of not playing again this year after a high shot on Luke Laulilii.Laulilii switched to the Warriors mid-season from the Wests Tigers, but his first game for his new club ended inside 15 minutes after suffering a category-one head knock.The Knights have the bye next week, with any ban for Saifiti to take effect once the finals begin.Back-rower Francis Manuleleua also failed to make it to half-time because of a sickening elbow injury.The Knights raced to a 16-0 lead, and even though the home side stormed back and kicked clear early in the second half, the visitors refused to surrender.Greg Marzhew’s try was entertaining after he kicked ahead for himself, only for the ball to ricochet off the head of Taine Tuaupiki and Ali Leiataua’s leg before slamming back in to the winger’s chest for a four-pointer.More:NRL 2026Ivan ClearyNathan ClearyNew Zealand WarriorsNewcastle KnightsFrom our partners