Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2004 www.photosport.co.nz
Promising winger Haizyn Mellars has the chance to complete the first father-son NRL double in the New Zealand Warriors’ history.
The son of former Warrior Vince Mellars has been signed from the South Sydney Rabbitohs on a three-year NRL contract until the end of the 2028 season.
The 193cm, 100kg winger was born in Auckland when his Wellington-born father played at the Warriors in 2003-2004 while his mother Charmian is a top former basketballer who represented the Tall Blacks at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Now Mellars and halfback Jett Cleary – father Ivan (Warrior #73) – are in line to provide the first instances of father-son NRL doubles for the Warriors.
Mellars has come through South Sydney’s pathways programme making his New South Wales debut this year, scoring seven tries in nine games.
“Haizyn has been in our sights for a while. He’s a young winger with special ability as he has shown through the grades,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
“He comes from an impressive sporting background with his mother and father both being high achievers at elite level and he is really keen to come back to New Zealand.”
Ivan and Jett Cleary.
Photo: NRL
The 21-year-old said the lure of being back home was a major factor in his decision.
“Joining the Warriors is a blessing and is something that means a lot to me and my family,” Haizyn said.
“After talking with Webby [coach Andrew Webster] and seeing the club’s direction, it’s where I want to be.
“I’m excited to get back home and develop my game alongside the coaching staff and the boys in particular and also learn off some of those senior guys.”
In his nine New South Wales Cup games this year, Mellars has averaged 120 metres and made 40 tackles breaks.
Warriors head coach Andrew Webster said Mellars had a lot going for him.
“He’ll add depth and he’ll be able to learn from the experienced players he’ll have around him in the outside backs,” Webster said.
Mellars has a strong rugby league pedigree.
After two year’s at the Warriors, his father Vince Mellars went on to play for Cronulla Sutherland and the Sydney Roosters followed by a stint in rugby union, before he resumed his league career in the Super League.
Vince’s father Peter, a front rower, toured Australia and Papua New Guinea with the Kiwis in 1982, while Peter’s brother Tam played for Wellington.
Until now the Warriors have never had an instance of a father and son playing for the club at NRL level.
Earlier this month Warrior #55 Ali Lauitiiti’s daughter Ivana made her NRLW debut to give the club its first case of a father and daughter making their top-level debut for the club.
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