Cleary shines on debut as Warriors beat Knights

Jett Cleary made a striking NRL debut, producing three try assists and 220 kicking metres as the Warriors held off a 12-man Newcastle to win 46-32 at Go Media Stadium. With a win on Sunday almost guaranteeing a home qualifying final, New Zealand’s pregame plan suffered when halfback Te Maire Martin was rested due to a hamstring niggle, thrusting Cleary, 21, into the halves alongside Luke Hanson. The contest swung after Knights prop Jacob Saifiti was sent off in the 12th minute for a reckless high tackle, giving the Warriors a chance to build. They piled on eight tries to three, kept their minor-premiership hopes alive, and closed with a victory that left Newcastle needing the Sydney Roosters to beat South Sydney on Friday for a home final.