Casey McLean Eyes State of Origin Debut as He Embraces New Opportunities
Casey McLean, the rising star of the Penrith Panthers, is showing strong interest in making a name for himself in the State of Origin arena. The young talent has been vocal about his readiness to represent New South Wales if given the chance by Blues coach Laurie Daley. With the potential to become the youngest player since Payne Haas in 2019, McLean’s journey could be just beginning.
McLean and the Panthers have started the NRL season with impressive performances, highlighted by their dominant 50-10 victory over the Storm on Friday night. His standout moment came when he scored an incredible try, leaving several defenders behind with a combination of speed, power, and evasive footwork. This performance has caught the attention of many observers who believe he could be a strong contender for an Origin call-up.
One of the key factors that could influence McLean’s selection is the shoulder injury suffered by Stephen Crichton, the incumbent NSW centre. This injury might open the door for the 19-year-old to step into the spotlight. Prior to this, McLean was ineligible to play for the Blues due to his allegiance to New Zealand. However, a recent change in the NRL’s eligibility rules has now placed him in a favorable position to represent his home state.
Crichton and Latrell Mitchell are currently seen as the first-choice centre pairing for the Blues. However, Crichton’s injury, which has been described as a high-grade 2 to grade 3, has created uncertainty about his availability. The Bulldogs have not yet provided a clear timeline for his return, adding to the speculation around McLean’s potential inclusion.
McLean has expressed his willingness to answer the call if selected. He emphasized the importance of being versatile, stating that players should not limit themselves to one side of the field. “At this club, you can’t really just put yourself down to be a one-dimensional, one side (player). You can’t just limit yourself, so you’re going to have to be able to attack and defend on both sides,” he said.
The 19-year-old also mentioned that he had considered the Origin eligibility issue earlier in his career. At the time, he chose to honor his father by committing his Test allegiance to New Zealand. However, the recent rule changes have positioned McLean and Addin Fonua-Blake as the most likely Kiwi Test stars to benefit from a potential Origin call-up this year.
McLean reflected on his decision-making process, explaining that he discussed it with his family. “I sat down with my parents and my family (in 2024) thinking what’s best for me, and they said whatever you think you want to do,” he said. “At that time the thought crossed my mind that it means I won’t able to represent the junior clubs in Penrith (by playing for NSW). But I just wanted to represent my family and where I come from, my father back in New Zealand. That’s a big factor in why I play this game.”
With the right opportunities and continued success on the field, McLean may soon find himself in the spotlight of the State of Origin series, following in the footsteps of other young talents like Payne Haas. His journey is a testament to the evolving landscape of rugby league and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for emerging stars.
