Casey McLean is only 19 and has spent less than two full seasons in the NRL, but already has a huge admirer in NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley.
“I like his defence, I like the way he carries the ball strongly, and while he’s only young, he’s not overawed by anything – I think he’s a wonderful player,” Daley said.
Casey McLean helped promote the NRL’s Multicultural Round at Wentworthville on Tuesday.Credit: NRL
McLean was initially ruled ineligible to represent the Blues after playing for New Zealand in last year’s Pacific Championships. He wanted to honour his heritage and mother and father, Shannon and Willie, a former North Sydney Bears player.
But when the ARL Commission overhauled its State of Origin eligibility rules and allowed players who had represented New Zealand or England to still be eligible for NSW or Queensland, provided they grew up in those states, McLean was back in the Origin picture.
McLean grew up in Blacktown and has represented NSW in the junior-age groups and should he continue his rise for the high-flying Panthers, Daley will have five genuine left centre options, provided they are all fit.
On Friday night at Allianz Stadium, McLean will oppose Roosters and Queensland centre Rob Toia.
Latrell Mitchell is the left-centre incumbent for NSW and started the year well. Stephen Crichton is now playing on the left side for Canterbury, while there is also Newcastle’s Bradman Best, Manly speedster Tolu Koula, and McLean.
Daley said the fact McLean initially chose the Kiwis over the Blues would not hurt his chances.
“We’ve seen players be passionate for their states and be passionate for their country of heritage,” Daley said.
“I’ve always said that if a player wants to play for NSW, they have to be passionate about doing it, and they can’t be simply ticking a box. If they want to be there, they’ll be considered. Casey is a really good player.”
McLean, who joined his brother Jesse to help promote the NRL’s multicultural round in Sydney’s suburb of Wentworthville on Tuesday, said he would love the opportunity to be unleashed against the Maroons, and was flattered his name had been mentioned in the conversation.
Not only can he play left centre, but McLean is just as comfortable on the right side of the field, and even on the wing.
“It would mean a lot to represent both worlds [New Zealand and NSW] where mum and dad are from, and where I’ve grown up, the schools I played for, the junior clubs I played for – I was born in Blacktown, and I played with clubs in the Penrith comp – it would be special,” McLean said.
“Latrell Mitchell has always played exceptionally well for NSW. ‘Critta’ [Crichton] is right up there for me. He’s proven himself to be the greatest centre in the game right now.”
When the Panthers were weighing up whether to allow Crichton to exit the club for the chance to join the Bulldogs, some of the pain was eased knowing McLean was coming through.
The Panthers have been almost flawless in the opening two rounds, conceding one try. They’ve enjoyed plenty of success on their left edge with McLean, back-rower Isaiah Papali’i, five-eighth Blaize Talagi and winger Thomas Jenkins working well together.
McLean said defence had been the primary focus in the opening rounds, and the success was being driven by co-captains Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary.
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