NRL 2024 Market Watch: Jett Cleary, younger brother of Nathan, signs with Warriors
The younger brother of Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary has inked a multi-year deal with an NRL rival. See the latest NRL transfer news.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Penrith prodigy Jett Cleary has signed a multi-year deal with the Warriors.
The younger brother of Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has made the move in a bid to aid his development and ambition to play first grade.
Born in New Zealand when his father Ivan was coaching the Warriors, the 19-year-old is currently playing in the Panthers SG Ball side.
“It’s an exciting time for us to be able to bring a player of Jett’s quality into our pathways system from next season,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said.
“The Cleary family has the strongest links with our club through Ivan’s time with us and it’s a special thrill to sign Jett and have the Cleary name back with us.
“We’re again truly grateful for the cooperation from Penrith and Ivan in helping to make this possible.”
Despite the departure of Jarome Luai to the Wests Tigers next year, Penrith have no shortage of halves in the club with Jack Cole, Brad Schneider and Daine Laurie within their ranks.
The Warriors are also well equipped in the halves, however Shaun Johnson remains unsigned for 2025.
Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden said the club was excited to help development the talented youngster.
“Jett has a big future in front of him and we’re excited to give him the chance to develop in our system,” McFadden said.
“While he was only young when he left New Zealand to go back to Australia, Jett has the benefit of strong family ties with the club and with Auckland as well.
‘He brings wonderful pedigree with him as well as a great understanding of the game after coming through Penrith’s fantastic pathways.”
CHEESE ACTIVATES CLAUSE
Star hooker Brandon Smith has triggered a clause in his Sydney Roosters contract.
Smith’s contract situation had gone mostly under the radar before this masthead revealed the Roosters rake had an option in his deal for 2025, with a May 31 deadline.
The player option gave Smith the power to test the market this year but the former Melbourne no.9 has triggered that clause, which will keep him at the Bondi club until the end of 2025.
“Yeah, he took up his option maybe a week or two ago,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson revealed on Wednesday.
“So I’m not sure when that was completely decided. It might have been by the end of May.
“Brandon will be with us next year.”
SLOAN DEAL CLOSE
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has backed off-contract fullback Tyrell Sloan as the club’s long-term option in the No.1 jumper.
Sloan is unsigned for next season and talks between the club and his management are ongoing but have become protracted.
“We’re endeavouring to keep Sloany,” Flanagan said.
“We’re in discussions with his management company. It hasn’t been quick, but we would like to think that gets done.
“We want to keep Tyrell and he wants to stay, it’s a matter of coming to some sort of agreement.”
Flanagan has a salary cap war chest at his disposal and now has an extra $1.6 million to take to market after star outside back Zac Lomax was granted a release to join Parramatta.
The Dragons coach has made no secret of his desire to poach Dally M rookie of the year Sunia Turuva from reigning premiers Penrith.
Turuva is also without a deal for 2025 and while he has excelled on the wing for the Panthers he has a desire to play at fullback, where he came through in the juniors.
But Sloan’s impressive form to start 2024 has been enough for Flanagan to back the 21-year old in the fullback position into the future.
“Tyrell is 21, and the Turuva bit, he could be at Penrith, so there is no use talking about it,” Flanagan said.
“Tyrell was outstanding for us last week. He’s 21 years of age. He’s got a big future. He wants to stay here and we want to keep him.
“The development of Tyrell over this year and next year, hopefully he is the long-term fullback for the club.
“Because they’re hard to find in any of those key positions, so he’s on the right track.”
NRL fans crash Brockmann run, told off
After fans finished up at Accor Stadium, some ventured next door to pay Nedd Brockmann a visit, with one fan being told to quiet down.
Dally M winner ditched in Jillaroos shock
Sydney Roosters star Olivia Kernick has been overlooked for Test selection despite guiding her team to the premiership and collecting the 2024 Dally M Medal as the best player in the women’s game.