After waiting nearly two seasons in reserve grade for his long-awaited NRL debut for NZ Warriors, Jett Cleary disappointed no-one with a performance that hinted at his potential, once he becomes a first-grade fixture elsewhere.With veteran halves Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita initially named, but ultimately ruled out against Newcastle Knights in the penultimate round of the regular season, Cleary was thrust into a surprise cameo that had his family scurrying to Sydney airport for a trans-Tasman flight.The Auckland-born youngest son of former Warriors player/coach Ivan Cleary - who guided the club to grand finals in both capacities - and brother of NRL superstar Nathan Cleary took the field in No.23 and proceeded to torment his opponents, steering his team back from an early 16-0 deficit to win 46-32 at Mt Smart.His appearance made Jett and Ivan Cleary the second son-father combination to suit up for the Warriors, following Riley and Steve Price earlier this season.While he didn't appear personally on the scorecard, Cleary Jnr, 21, had his fingerprints all over a contest that - ironically, given his family connections - thrust the Warriors back past Penrith Panthers to the top of the competition table."I just thought he looked like he belonged," remarked Warriors skipper Mitch Barnett. "For a young half, they just want to tackle well and kick well."I thought he defended really well... Jett had his gloves up. He'll only get better each time he takes the field now."I thought he was really composed and it was up to us to step up around him. Our communication had to pick up around him, so he could slot around easier, but I was really impressed with him."Credited with three try assists, Cleary probably had several others that Americans would describe as 'ice hockey assists' - the pass before the final pass.One of those came on the Warriors' opening try of the game to second-rower Jacob Laban."When they pressured him on the last play, he threw the ball back to Wayde [Egan] and he threw it to Jakey," reflected coach Andrew Webster. "That was a really good play that got our night going really."Cleary delivered the ball to lock Erin Clark for his try that brought the Warriors back to level terms, then hoisted a kick that replacement wing Adam Pompey regathered and offloaded to forward Demitric Vaimauga for the halftime lead.His up-and-unders didn't seem overly high, but hung just long enough for the chasers to contest. After halftime, he lofted another that Laban claimed to send centre Ali Leiataua across.Cleary had a hand in the move that put wing Alofiana Khan-Pereira over in the corner to make victory safe, then delivered the final pass to Laban for the try double and competition lead in the dying minutes.Perhaps even more impressive was his ability to take the punishment dished out to him and bounce back with some of his own, especially in the later stages of the game. On one play, he was absolutely cleaned out by a tackler after kicking, which sparked a melee between the two teams."I think whenever there are young halves and someone on debut, you naturally want to test them out," Knights captain Kalyn Ponga admitted.Jett Cleary was targeted by the Knights, but dished out as good as he got.Andrew Cornaga/Photosport"I think he played well, I think he played his role. He'll be proud and his family will be proud no doubt."When you look back in years to come and your debut was win, so he'll be happy."After another marginal tackle on him, Cleary bounced back to return fire and the teams again came together to discuss his durability."I thought he was awesome," Webster said. "We could hear them yelling his name over the comms, they tried to run at him and he stood up to it, and the boys stuck up for him at the right times."One of Jett's biggest strengths is how tough he is and how much he competes, so you're not going to get under his skin or worry him like that. I was really proud of how the boys stood up for him and made sure they just couldn't do that to our halfback."Unfortunately, Cleary has been granted an early release from the Warriors to join his family at Penrith next season, with Ivan stepping down from the coaching role and Nathan coming off contact at the end of 2027.He may not have done enough to displace Martin from the No.7 jersey in the playoffs, but the understudy - now the fifth to start successfully for the Warriors at halfback this season - may get one more chance to don that jersey next week against Manly Sea Eagles.Webster indicated Martin and Harris-Tavita weren't expected to miss extended time, but he also conceded he had no idea how he would play his team selection, given the Warriors were now fairly secure in the top two with home advantage in the post season - wherever that may be.Their fifth straight win has them on the same competition points as the Panthers, but one point better in a differential countback. They are only two points clear of the Dolphins and Sydney Roosters, but must lose massively against the Sea Eagles to drop behind either.A minor premiership is still at stake, but under the circumstances, Webster may not be prepared to risk his veteran players with the ultimate goal - the club's first championship - now so close.On the other hand, he may still rue resting Shaun Johnson in 2023, a decision that probably cost the halfback a Dally M Medal by a single judge's point.