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Nathan Cleary rules out Warriors move to protect brother Jett's path

Panthers star Nathan Cleary has all but ruled out a move to the New Zealand Warriors, citing fears he would block his younger brother Jett's pathway to first grade. The four-time premiership winner remains undecided on his future beyond 2027, with Penrith hopeful of a new deal.

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Nathan Cleary rules out Warriors move to protect brother Jett's path

Nathan Cleary rules out Warriors move to protect brother Jett's path

The short answer

Nathan Cleary, the 28-year-old Penrith Panthers halfback and four-time NRL premiership winner, has provided a major update on his playing future. In comments reported by SMH and Fox Sports on July 23-24, 2026, Cleary indicated he is unlikely to join the New Zealand Warriors because it would block the path of his younger brother Jett, 21, who is in the Warriors system and yet to make his NRL debut. Cleary is off contract at the end of 2027 and could become a free agent on November 1, 2026. He said he is still thinking over his decision and has not ruled out re-signing with Penrith. The Panthers remain hopeful of negotiating a new deal. Other clubs linked include the PNG Chiefs and the Bears, but Cleary's comments suggest family considerations will play a key role.

Why it's trending

Cleary's comments on July 23-24, 2026, during a press conference after Penrith's 24-18 win over Parramatta, provided the most definitive update yet on his future. His statement about blocking his brother's pathway at the Warriors sparked widespread interest, as it effectively rules out one of the most speculated landing spots. With free agency looming on November 1, fans and media are closely watching his next move.

Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary has given a significant update on his playing future, all but ruling out a move to the New Zealand Warriors because he fears it would block the pathway of his younger brother Jett, according to SMH and Fox Sports. Cleary, 28, is off contract at the end of the 2027 season and could become a free agent on November 1, 2026. The four-time premiership-winning halfback said he is still undecided on whether to test the open market.

Speaking after Penrith's 24-18 win over Parramatta on July 23, Cleary addressed speculation linking him to the Warriors, where his father Ivan once coached and played. 'I grew up [in Auckland] a fair [few years], and I will admit I was a Warriors fan growing up,' Cleary said, as quoted by SMH. 'But at the end of the day, even if that was an option [to play for them], I'd be blocking my little brother's pathway. I'm not too sure about [doing] that.' Jett Cleary, 21, is in the Warriors system and won the NSW Cup and State Championship titles last year, but is yet to make his NRL debut.

Cleary's comments come amid intense speculation about his future, with rival clubs including the PNG Chiefs and the Bears reportedly prepared to make record-breaking offers. Fox Sports noted that PNG's tax incentives could dwarf other offers. However, Cleary indicated he is in no rush to decide. 'I still don't know. I'm still in the process of thinking it over. I'm not sure yet,' he told reporters, as quoted by Fox Sports. The Panthers remain hopeful of securing a new deal, with talks expected in the coming weeks.

The update is the clearest indication yet that Cleary may stay at Penrith, where he debuted in 2016 and has won four premierships. His father Ivan will step down as coach after the 2027 season, but that does not appear to be a decisive factor. Cleary's priority is settling back into club life after leading NSW to an Origin series win. The coming months will determine whether he becomes the most sought-after free agent in NRL history or commits to the Panthers for life.

Timeline

  1. Nathan Cleary debuts for Penrith Panthers

    Cleary made his NRL debut for the Panthers, beginning a career that would see him become a four-time premiership winner and NSW Origin star.

  2. Jett Cleary moves to Warriors system

    Jett Cleary, Nathan's younger brother, joined the New Zealand Warriors after being in the Penrith system. He won the NSW Cup and State Championship titles in 2025.

  3. Cleary addresses future after Panthers win

    After Penrith's 24-18 win over Parramatta, Nathan Cleary told reporters he is undecided on his future and all but ruled out a move to the Warriors to avoid blocking his brother's path. (Sources: SMH, Fox Sports)

  4. Potential free agency date

    If Cleary does not re-sign with Penrith before November 1, 2026, he can enter the open market and negotiate with rival clubs for the 2028 season and beyond.

  5. Current contract expires

    Cleary's current deal with the Panthers runs through the end of the 2027 NRL season.

Questions people ask

Will Nathan Cleary leave the Panthers?

Cleary has not decided yet. He said on July 23, 2026, that he is still thinking it over and is not sure if he will go to market on November 1. The Panthers are hopeful of re-signing him. (Sources: SMH, Fox Sports)

Why won't Nathan Cleary join the Warriors?

Cleary said he would be blocking his younger brother Jett's pathway to first grade if he joined the Warriors. Jett is currently in the Warriors system and yet to make his NRL debut. (Source: SMH)

What is Nathan Cleary's contract situation?

Cleary is off contract at the end of the 2027 season. He can become a free agent on November 1, 2026, if he does not re-sign with Penrith before then. (Sources: SMH, Fox Sports)

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