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Cleary to debut as Warriors forced into late changes

By 1News Reporters
5:00pm
Jett Cleary with Chanel Harris-Tavita post-game .Rabbitohs v One NZ Warriors. NRL Rugby League, Accor Stadium, Sydney, NSW, Australia, Sunday 22nd August 2026

Jett Cleary with Chanel Harris-Tavita post-game .Rabbitohs v One NZ Warriors. NRL Rugby League, Accor Stadium, Sydney, NSW, Australia, Sunday 22nd August 2026 (Source: Photosport)

Jett Cleary will debut for the Warriors on Sunday in an unexpected call-up after late injury changes.

The club says it's decided not to risk its more experienced halves after Chanel Harris-Tavita suffered a minor injury.

Te Maire Martin, who had been named to start, needs more time to return from his hamstring injury.

Cleary is the son of former Warriors coach Ivan Cleary and the brother of Panthers superstar Nathan.

He will play in 7 alongside Luke Hanson, who is only making his third NRL appearance in the standoff position.

The Warriors pointing out its the least experienced starting halves combination since Brock Lamb (one game) and Jack Cogger (debut) lined up for the Knights against the Sharks in 2016.

Winger Luke Laulilii is also on debut, replacing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak who broke his clavicle last weekend.

The Warriors host the Newcastle Knights at Mt Smart Stadium at 4pm tomorrow.

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Cleary to debut as Warriors forced into late changes

Jett Cleary with Chanel Harris-Tavita post-game .Rabbitohs v One NZ Warriors. NRL Rugby League, Accor Stadium, Sydney, NSW, Australia, Sunday 22nd August 2026
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