Warriors beat Knights to secure top-two finish with Jett Cleary debuting at halfback
The Warriors defeated Newcastle to lock up a top-two NRL finish, with rookie halfback Jett Cleary impressing on debut after late injuries forced a reshaped halves pairing.
Injuries to Te Maire-Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita forced the Warriors into an emergency halves combination for their round 26 clash against the Knights. Jett Cleary made his NRL debut in the position and received praise for his performance. The Warriors won the match in a comeback, securing their top-two finish and guaranteeing home finals games.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
Stuff
Halves crisis forces Warriors to name Jett Cleary for NRL debut
Late injuries to Te Maire-Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita force Andrew Webster into emergency pairing.
1News
Cleary to debut as Warriors forced into late changes
The New Zealand Warriors will debut a new halves pairing against the Newcastle Knights on Sunday.
Stuff
Warriors have new halves combo as NRL minor premiership push continues
All you need to know about the NRL round 26 match between the Warriors and the Knights in Auckland on Sunday afternoon.
Stuff
Jett Cleary debuts as Warriors host Knights looking to lock up top-two finish
Follow live coverage of the NRL round 26 match between the Warriors and the Knights in Auckland on Sunday afternoon.
NZ Herald
Warriors v Knights live updates: NRL round 26 clash from Go Media Stadium
All the action from the round 26 clash at Go Media Stadium.
Stuff
Warriors return to top of NRL ladder after beating Knights in chaotic contest
For the second week in a row, the Warriors’ winning margin was precisely what they needed to edge the Panthers out of first.
NZ Herald
Warriors v Knights result: Top-two finish secured with comeback victory over Newcastle
Victory all but guarantees the Kiwi side two home games in the NRL finals.
NZ Herald
Warriors v Knights player ratings: Jacob Laban shines, as Jett Cleary holds firm in NRL debut
OPINION: Rating the performances of the Warriors against the Knights in Auckland.
Newstalk ZB
Warriors v Knights: Rave reviews for Jett Cleary as Kiwi side fight back for Newcastle victory
While it was always going to be a huge ask to live up to the hype his surname brings, Warriors rookie half Jett Cleary did everything he needed to do on his first taste of the NRL.
Stuff
‘Made for the arena’: Jett Cleary shines in bittersweet Warriors debut
The rookie halfback is set to return to the Panthers to play for father Ivan and with brother Nathan in 2027.
NZ Herald
Warriors v Knights key takeaways: Top two secured, Jett Cleary impresses, concerns arise from win
ANALYSIS: Ben Francis runs the rule over the Warriors' win over the Knights in Auckland.