Jett Cleary has requested a shock release from his Warriors contract, reportedly hopeful of joining his family at the Panthers next season.

According to Code Sports, Cleary informed New Zealand bosses of his desire to return to Penrith ahead of the 2027 season, citing personal reasons.

The 21-year-old’s current contract with the Warriors runs until the end of the 2027 season.

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Penrith and New Zealand bosses are currently in discussions regarding what a release for the rising playmaker could look like, but the Warriors were said to be surprised by the request.

“It looks like this will likely take place, Jett Cleary has asked the Warriors for a release… the Warriors were a bit taken aback by Jett’s decision,” The Daily Telegraph’s Carayannis said on NRL360.

“It’s based on the fact that Ivan has one season left in charge of the Panthers and Jett would like to be coached by his Dad in an NRL set-up for the final time.”

The Warriors are seeking compensation should the young halfback leave the club.

To secure the move, the Panthers may have to release a contracted player or provide financial remuneration to secure the move.

“He has just asked for a release and now it’s with the Warriors and Panthers to work out some sort of compensation to allow that to take place,” Carayannis said.

The potential release could see Jett coached by his dad Ivan in the final year in charge of the Penrith club, while the young gun could also play alongside his brother Nathan.

Jett Cleary has requested a release.Source: Getty Images

As it stands, the NSW and Kangaroos halfback is contracted until the end of the 2027 season — but his future has been a hot topic in throughout this year.

Should the four-time premiership winning star hit the open market come November 1, Cleary will likely field record-breaking offers from rivals.

The Panthers are said to be confident they will be able to retain their star halfback, but Jett’s potential arrival at the foot of the mountain could influence his decision.

“It’s two-fold, is the allure of playing alongside your brother at the NRL level enough to keep Nathan there?” Carayannis said.

“Or does he see it as, we’re both halfbacks and I am blocking his path.”

The PNG Chiefs, armed with tax-free contracts and the prospect of lucrative third-party deals could table a record-breaking deal to lure him away from Penrith.

Meanwhile, The Australian’s Brent Read posed an interesting question.

“Maybe Jett knows something? That’s why he wants to come back, he thinks the No.7 jersey is going to be vacant in 12 months,” he said.

“Just saying, just spitballing.”

But for now, Nathan remains a Panthers player until at least next November.

With Jack Cole departing for the Bears at the season’s end, Penrith have an open slot for a playmaker in their top 30.

Jett is yet to make his NRL debut, but has been an integral figure for the Warriors’ NSW Cup side, winning a premiership last season, and will compete with Jack Cogger and Blaize Talagi if his move is confirmed.

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Cleary: “Fair for any player to cash in” | 01:06

BRONCOS SECURE SHAWN BLORE SIGNING

The Broncos have confirmed Storm back rower Shawn Blore will join the club ahead of the 2027 season, signing a two-year contract.

The 26-year-old will make the move north after four seasons at the Storm, linking back up with Michael Maguire, the coach who handed him his NRL debut in 2020 at the Tigers.

Blore became a regular starter at the Storm, but has struggled during the 2026 season with injuries and form, which have restricted him to only 10 games so far.

However, the gun edge forward featured in Melbourne’s 2024 and 2025 grand final appearances, playing 24 games across both of those campaigns.

The Broncos’ recruitment coup comes after two major blows to their forward pack stocks, with front row star Payne Haas set to depart for the Rabbitohs at the season’s end.

Meanwhile, fellow prop Corey Jensen was forced into retirement due to a blood blot condition, while Brendan Piakura has been stood down due to repeated head knocks.

It remains to be seen when he will be fit to take the field and Blore now joins Maguire’s back row stocks alongside Jordan Riki, who is contracted until the end of 2028.

Cleary won’t confirm Yeo return date | 01:56

“Shawn adds further big game experience and depth to our back row stocks,” Broncos general manager of football Troy Thomson said in a club statement.

“He knows what it takes to prepare and perform in the NRL on a consistent basis.

“He has a hardworking approach to his football, and we’re excited about what he can bring to the Broncos.”

TIGERS LAND VERSATILE STAR

Jayden Brailey has signed a two-year deal with the Tigers, joining the merger club ahead of the 2027 season.

The hooker’s move was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon, with his time at the Raiders set to come to an end at the conclusion of their 2026 campaign.

Brailey began his NRL career at the Sharks before making the switch to the Knights, playing 85 games across six seasons before landing in the nation’s capital.

“It’s a very talented, young roster who have shown what they’re capable of. I’m really looking forward to adding my own strengths and experience to bring some success to the club,’’ Brailey said.

“To work alongside Benji was a huge attraction for me. His vision for the club and playing group played a big part in my decision and I’m confident my best footy lies ahead of me under Benji.”

‘Disappointed how it came out’ Robbo | 05:31

Interestingly, Brailey’s pop Brian Brailey played 16 games for the Balmain Tigers between 1960 and 1962.

“I’m so proud to be able to carry on Pop’s legacy and also carve out a path for myself,’’ he added.

Head coach Benji Marshall also added: ““I like the person he is. His character, integrity, he’s very knowledgeable, and a footy head who loves the game.

“He brings a level of leadership that can help impact some of the young guys we’ve got here, particularly the hookers we’ve got coming through.

“One of the things we found this year is we need to create a bit more depth.

“Jayden gives us a ready-made first grader with experience who can play lock and hooker.”