Panthers centre Casey McLean. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Kiwi international and rising Panthers star Casey McLean has spoken publicly for the first time since the NRL updated its eligibility criteria for State of Origin.

Earlier this month, the NRL announced that players representing Tier 1 nations like New Zealand and England, will now be eligible for selection for New South Wales and Queensland as long as they meet the core Origin eligibility criteria.

In a massive change from previous years, a Kiwi international, like 19-year-old McLean, will now be considered for Origin selection because he was born in New South Wales, specifically Blacktown.

Speaking with the Weekender ahead of his third year in the NRL, the try scoring machine said the new rules are “super exciting for the game”.

“It’s a massive boost overall for international footy and for State of Origin. It now allows the best of the best to represent who they want, there’s no barriers anymore,” McLean said.

Casey McLean chats with Nathan Taylor. Photo: Melinda Jane.

“If the call arises, I’d love to be a part of it (Origin), I didn’t mind putting on that U19’s NSW jersey a couple of years ago. I think it’s cool to represent where you’ve grown up but, at the end of the day, I’d still choose New Zealand every time.”

Before – and if – that opportunity to play for the Blues comes to fruition, McLean needs to impress with the Panthers first, staring next Friday night against Premiers, the Brisbane Broncos, at Suncorp Stadium.

McLean, who missed playing with Penrith in the pre-season due to NRL All Star commitments, said thinking about Friday’s mouthwatering match-up makes him feel like a kid again.

“It’s an exciting time! It’s Round 1 . . . footy’s back! That little kid in me is still just as excited, I’m really keen to play footy and I’m excited for this contest,” he said.

McLean said the pain of losing to Brisbane in last September’s Preliminary Final at Lang Park still burns deep inside of him as it robbed him of the chance to play in his first NRL Grand Final.

“Personally, it’s still a little grudge that I’m holding, I suppose,” he admitted.

Casey McLean. Photo: Melinda Jane.

“It’s a good rivalry to have. They’re a really good team for a reason, they won the comp for a reason and have superstars all over the field.

“But, for us, there’s still hunger at this club. All the boys have that hunger that never really went away. We have a winning mentality here and you don’t want to be the person to let anyone down.”

After Penrith’s shocking start to the 2025 season, which saw them lose five of their first six games, McLean said the club is focused on one pivotal detail in particular.

“The big thing that was talked about this pre-season was getting our starts right,” he said.

“Personally, I just want to find a sense of consistency. I wasn’t really pleased with myself last year for all of that… it’s been clocking over in my mind a lot, so I just want to find a little bit of consistent form this season and take everything week by week.”

Nathan Taylor

Nathan Taylor is the Weekender’s Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.