Shock Return: Jett Cleary Rejoins Penrith Panthers After Brief Stint with New Zealand Warriors
In a stunning turn of events that has left the rugby league community buzzing, Penrith Panthers have announced the shock return of talented halfback Jett Cleary, just months after he left the club to join the New Zealand Warriors. The move has sent shockwaves through the NRL, with fans, players, and pundits alike trying to understand the motivations behind the sudden U-turn.
Cleary’s departure to the Warriors earlier this year was seen as a major blow to the Panthers, who have been one of the most dominant teams in the NRL over the past few seasons. However, with news breaking this morning that the 22-year-old playmaker has signed a multi-year deal to return to Penrith, the rugby league world is now asking: what led to his surprising return?
The Announcement: A Return to Familiar Grounds
The announcement came during a press conference at the Panthers’ training facility, where club officials confirmed that Cleary had agreed to a three-year contract, which will see him back at the foot of the mountains until the end of the 2027 season. While the exact details of the deal have not been disclosed, sources close to the club suggest that Cleary’s return is part of a broader strategy to build a team capable of continuing their NRL dominance into the next decade.
“Jett’s return is a massive boost for the club,” said Penrith Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher during the press conference. “He’s an exceptional player with immense talent, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to the team. Our focus is always on building a squad that can compete at the highest level, and bringing Jett back is a key part of that vision.”
Cleary, who was a crucial part of the Panthers’ back-to-back premiership wins in 2021 and 2022, shocked fans when he made the decision to leave the club for New Zealand at the beginning of 2024. At the time, many speculated that the young halfback was seeking a fresh challenge and more game-time opportunities, something he felt he couldn’t get while competing with his more established counterparts in the Panthers’ stacked squad.
However, after less than a season with the Warriors, Cleary has made the decision to return to Penrith, where his father, Ivan Cleary, has served as head coach for several years. This father-son connection was a key factor in his initial decision to play for Penrith, and it seems to have played a role in his return as well.
Jett Cleary’s Comments on His Return
In a statement made at the press conference, Jett Cleary explained his reasons for leaving the Warriors and returning to Penrith. He admitted that the decision to join the Warriors had been motivated by the desire for more responsibility on the field, but that after reflecting on his time in New Zealand, he realized how much he missed the Penrith system and the Panthers’ culture.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to leave Penrith in the first place, and it’s been an equally difficult decision to come back,” Cleary explained. “But after my time at the Warriors, I realized that Penrith is where I belong. The club, the fans, and my teammates have always supported me, and the system here is something I truly value. It feels like home, and I’m excited to contribute to the next chapter of this club’s success.”
Cleary went on to highlight the special connection he has with his father, Ivan Cleary, and the rest of the coaching staff at Penrith. “Working with my dad again is something I’m really looking forward to,” he said. “There’s a special bond there, and I know that I’ll be able to continue growing as a player under his guidance. It’s going to be an exciting time for me, and I’m ready to get started.”
While the 22-year-old’s time at the Warriors was brief, it wasn’t without its highlights. He quickly became a fan favorite in New Zealand, showcasing his talent in several key matches, and providing valuable experience to a team in the midst of a rebuilding phase. His decision to leave the Warriors after just one season has left some fans disappointed, but most understand the complexities of his personal and professional journey.
The Warriors’ Reaction
The news of Cleary’s return to Penrith comes as a disappointment to many at the Warriors, who had high hopes for the young halfback as part of their long-term plans. Warriors coach Andrew Webster expressed his understanding of the situation but also shared his disappointment in Cleary’s decision to leave so soon after joining.
“We were excited to bring Jett into our squad, and we saw him as a crucial part of our future,” Webster said in a statement. “While we’re disappointed to see him go, we understand that players have to make the decisions that are right for them. We wish him all the best in his career, and we’re grateful for the time he spent with us.”
Warriors fans, while disappointed, have also expressed their gratitude to Cleary for his contributions during his short stint with the team. Many have taken to social media to thank him for his efforts and to wish him well as he heads back to Penrith.
Penrith’s Ambitions Moving Forward
Cleary’s return is set to shake up the Penrith squad, which has already been one of the most formidable in the NRL. The Panthers have been dominant in recent years, with their combination of youth and experience leading them to multiple finals appearances and premiership wins. Adding Cleary back into the mix will only strengthen their squad further, and many are now tipping the Panthers as early favorites to win the 2025 NRL title.
Ivan Cleary, who has built a championship-winning team at Penrith, spoke about how Jett’s return fits into the club’s broader plans. “We’ve always believed in Jett’s potential, and having him back with us is incredibly exciting,” Ivan Cleary said. “He’s a dynamic player, and we know what he’s capable of. We’re looking forward to seeing how he can contribute to our team’s success moving forward.”
With Cleary’s return, the Panthers will now have even more depth in the halves, with veteran Nathan Cleary, Jett’s older brother, already one of the NRL’s most dominant players. The combination of the Cleary brothers, along with a talented group of forwards and backs, sets Penrith up for continued success in the years ahead.
The Road Ahead
As Jett Cleary re-enters the Penrith Panthers fold, the club’s fans are excited to see how he will contribute to their future success. The return of such a talented and driven player is bound to raise expectations, and with Penrith’s ambition to remain a force in the NRL, Jett’s role will be pivotal.
The Panthers will open their 2025 season with high hopes of continuing their dominance, and with Jett Cleary back in the fold, the sky’s the limit for this championship-winning squad.
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