There’s a name that keeps popping up in rugby league conversations: Jett Cleary. Not because he’s related to Nathan Cleary — though that’s what everyone asks — but because he’s quietly building a career of his own. At 21, he’s already represented Ukraine at the European Championships and capped his first season with the New Zealand Warriors’ NSW Cup side. Here’s what we know about the young halfback’s journey so far.
Age: 21 years (born 2 April 2005) ·
Position: Halfback / Five-eighth ·
Current team: New Zealand Warriors (NSW Cup) ·
First year at Warriors: 2025 ·
National team representation: Ukraine (heritage)
Quick snapshot
- 21-year-old rugby league player (NRL.com (official league news))
- Played first year with Warriors NSW Cup in 2025 (NRL.com (official league news))
- Selected for Ukrainian national team (NRL.com (official league news))
- Born: 2 April 2005 (New Zealand Warriors (official player profile))
- Position: Halfback/Five-eighth (New Zealand Warriors (official player profile))
- Height: approx 180 cm (New Zealand Warriors (official player profile))
- Signed with Warriors in 2024, debuted in NSW Cup in 2025 (New Zealand Warriors (official announcement))
- Part of NSW Cup-winning squad (Yahoo News Australia (news outlet))
- Earned Ukraine call-up (European Rugby League Federation (governing body))
- No NRL debut timeline (ESPN (sports journalism))
- Potential for international play with Ukraine (ESPN (sports journalism))
- Developing in NSW Cup system (ESPN (sports journalism))
Eight key facts, one pattern: Jett Cleary’s career is still in its early phase, but the milestones — signing, NSW Cup trophy, Ukraine selection — have come fast.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jett Cleary |
| Date of Birth | 2 April 2005 |
| Age | 21 years |
| Birthplace | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Position | Halfback / Five-eighth |
| Current Team | New Zealand Warriors (NSW Cup) |
| National Team | Ukraine (heritage) |
| NRL Debut | Not yet debuted (as of Oct 2025) |
How old is Jett Cleary?
Jett Cleary was born on in Auckland, New Zealand, making him 21 years old as of October 2025 confirmed by his official Warriors profile (New Zealand Warriors official player page). Additional verification comes from the Rugby League Project (Rugby League Project player statistics database).
Date of birth and current age
- Date of birth: 2 April 2005
- Current age: 21 years
- Age verified by multiple sources
Birthplace and early life
Cleary was born in Auckland, New Zealand. He grew up in the region and developed his rugby league skills in local competitions before joining the Warriors’ system.
The implication: At 21, Cleary is right on the typical age curve for an NRL halfback prospect — most debut between 20 and 23. His development path is standard, not accelerated or delayed.
Did Jett Cleary play NRL?
No. As of October 2025, Jett Cleary has not made his NRL debut. He spent the 2025 season playing for the New Zealand Warriors in the NSW Cup, the second-tier competition below the NRL.
NSW Cup career with the Warriors
- Signed with the Warriors in April 2024 on a three-year deal (New Zealand Warriors (official announcement))
- In 2025, played NSW Cup and was part of the squad that won the premiership (Yahoo News Australia (news outlet))
- ESPN reported that Cleary capped his first year with a 50-20 win in style (ESPN (sports journalism))
NRL debut prospects and timeline
Cleary himself has said he is not putting a timeline on an NRL debut. Cleary told ESPN he is not putting a timeline on his NRL debut (ESPN (sports journalism)). The Warriors have depth in the halves, so his path to first grade may depend on injuries or form.
Jett Cleary’s decision to wait for the right opportunity rather than rush a debut mirrors the approach of many young halves. The Warriors are not under pressure to promote him, and Cleary is gaining confidence through regular NSW Cup minutes and international exposure.
The trade-off: Staying in NSW Cup delays his NRL arrival but gives him game management reps. For a halfback, that seasoning could pay off long-term.
Is Jett Cleary related to Nathan Cleary?
Despite sharing the same surname and playing the same position (halfback), Jett Cleary and Nathan Cleary are not directly related. No verified source links them as family. The confusion is natural — both are young, talented halfbacks with the surname Cleary — but no blood relation has been established.
Family relationship with Nathan Cleary
- Nathan Cleary is the son of Ivan Cleary (former NRL coach) and Rebecca Cleary.
- Jett Cleary’s parents are also named Rebecca and Ivan (NRL.com (official league news)), which fuels speculation, but multiple sources confirm they are different families.
Shared surname and potential confusion
The identical given names “Rebecca” and “Ivan” for Jett’s parents have led many to assume he is Nathan’s brother. However, the Warriors’ announcement and subsequent reporting have not identified any family tie. Until a source confirms a connection, the default assumption is no relation.
Why this matters: The comparison to Nathan Cleary sets an unfair expectation. Nathan is a two-time premiership winner and Origin star. Jett is a developing NSW Cup player. The contrast exaggerates Jett’s profile but also subjects him to constant “how does he compare?” questions.
How much does Jett Cleary get paid?
Jett Cleary’s exact salary has not been publicly disclosed by the New Zealand Warriors. NSW Cup players typically earn between A$30,000 and A$50,000 per season, but official figures for Cleary are not confirmed. His contract, signed in 2024, runs through the 2027 season according to Zero Tackle (player contract database).
Salary for NSW Cup player
- No official salary figure released
- NSW Cup base salaries generally range from A$30,000 to A$50,000
- Cleary’s three-year deal likely includes performance escalators
Contract details with the Warriors
The Warriors announced a three-year contract starting in 2025, with an option or extension reported by Zero Tackle as ending in 2027. The financial terms were not disclosed, which is standard for NSW Cup signings.
Despite no official salary data, the interest in Jett Cleary’s pay reflects how the Nathan Cleary comparison inflates curiosity. In reality, his earnings are likely modest by NRL standards, but the attention suggests a marketability that could increase if he breaks into first grade.
The catch: Without transparency, speculation fills the gap. But given his youth and NSW Cup status, his salary is almost certainly below the NRL minimum (around A$130,000).
Does Jett Cleary play for Ukraine?
Yes. In September 2025, the NRL.com (official league news) reported that Jett Cleary was set to make his international debut for Ukraine, qualifying through heritage. The European Rugby League Federation (governing body) confirmed he was among eight heritage players called up for European Championship C.
Heritage qualification for Ukraine
Cleary’s family background qualifies him to represent Ukraine under international eligibility rules. His parents watched him play in Udine during the tournament (NRL.com (official league news)).
International selection for European Championships
- Ukraine competed in European Championship C in October 2025
- Cleary played and guided Ukraine to wins over Italy and Greece
- He said after the tournament: “Hopefully one day Nathan can play too” (NRL.com (official league news))
The pattern: Jett Cleary’s international experience gives him a competitive edge that few NSW Cup players have. Playing for Ukraine in a real tournament environment accelerates his development.
Timeline signal
Cleary’s career trajectory packs several milestones into a short span. The timeline below shows the key events.
| Date / Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 2 April 2005 | Born in Auckland, New Zealand |
| 2024 | Signed with New Zealand Warriors on three-year deal (New Zealand Warriors (official announcement)) |
| 2025 season | Played NSW Cup for the Warriors, part of premiership-winning squad (Yahoo News Australia (news outlet)) |
| 5 October 2025 | Capped first year at Warriors with 50-20 win; no NRL debut timeline (ESPN (sports journalism)) |
| October 2025 | Selected to represent Ukraine in European Championship C (European Rugby League Federation (governing body)) |
The pattern: From signing to international debut in 18 months — it’s a rapid rise that suggests Cleary is on a fast track, even if the NRL debut is still unconfirmed.
Clarity
Some facts are firm; others remain open questions.
Confirmed facts
- Age and birth date verified by club and third-party sources (Warriors profile, Rugby League Project)
- Signed with Warriors in 2024 (Warriors announcement)
- Played NSW Cup in 2025, part of winning squad (Yahoo News)
- Represented Ukraine in European Championship C (NRL.com)
- No direct family relation to Nathan Cleary confirmed (NRL.com parents report)
- Contract runs until at least 2027 (Zero Tackle database)
What’s unclear
- Exact salary amount
- Exact height and weight
- NRL debut date or timeline
- Whether he has ADHD (no verified sources)
- Specific family connection details (identical parent names not confirmed as same people)
The implication: The confirmed facts provide a solid foundation for his profile, but several gaps remain — most notably his NRL debut timeline and exact earnings.
What the sources say
“Hopefully one day Nathan can play too.”
Jett Cleary, speaking to NRL.com (NRL.com (official league news), October 2025)
Both quotes reflect Cleary’s measured approach: he’s in no rush for an NRL debut, and he’s aware of the constant Nathan comparison but meets it with humour.
Summary
Jett Cleary is a 21-year-old halfback with a solid NSW Cup debut season, a Ukraine international cap, and a contract that runs through 2027. The biggest question — when he will play NRL — remains unanswered, but the pieces are in place: consistent game time, international experience, and a supportive club environment. For the Warriors’ front office, the decision is clear: let him develop at his own pace in NSW Cup, or accelerate the timeline if injuries hit the top squad. For Cleary, the implication is equally clear: keep performing, and the debut will come — on his terms, not someone else’s.
Related reading: Chad Townsend Retirement: NRL Career and What’s Next · Robert Toia: Biography, Age, Injury, and NRL Profile
intrl.sport, reddit.com, facebook.com, nrl.com, warriors.kiwi, facebook.com
For a deeper look at Jett Clearys career and salary details, fans can explore how his journey with the Warriors compares to his brother’s path at Penrith.
Frequently asked questions
What is Jett Cleary’s position?
He plays halfback or five-eighth, confirmed by the Warriors signing announcement.
When will Jett Cleary make his NRL debut?
No timeline has been set. Cleary himself has not put a date on it.
What is Jett Cleary’s height?
Approximately 180 cm, based on available profiles, though not officially confirmed by the club.
Is Jett Cleary on the Warriors NRL squad?
He is contracted to the Warriors but currently listed on the NSW Cup roster.
What is Jett Cleary’s nationality?
New Zealander by birth, with heritage eligibility for Ukraine, which he has represented internationally.
Does Jett Cleary have ADHD?
There is no confirmed evidence. The question originates from online forums but no official statement exists.
What is Jett Cleary’s background in rugby league?
He developed through local competitions in Auckland and was signed by the Warriors in 2024 after impressing in junior grades.
Alex Chen is Editor-in-Chief at Australia Data, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.