![\"Casey](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8345faa36704767b0f4697c6bf0aac9fe2b50d15.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n\u201cEvery team goes at a half, but Lachie has done a great job,\u201d Preston said. \u201cHe\u2019s a big boy who puts his body in front and always has a crack. At training, he\u2019s always ripping in and making sure he gets better each week.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think he let all this outside noise affect him. He\u2019s really level-headed, he\u2019s the first person in here at training and making sure he\u2019s becoming a better player and person. It\u2019s really admirable. I\u2019ve only known him a short time, but I\u2019m proud of him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Crichton is one of the best defensive centres and communicators in the game, and his expected absence will only embolden Penrith to single out Galvin. The chemistry between Talagi and McLean has improved every week.<\/p>\n
McLean toured Papua New Guinea with Galvin with the Australian Schoolboys team in 2023, and was not about to disrespect his former teammate when it came to assessing his tackling efficiency.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s an amazing player,\u201d McLean said. \u201cYou have to respect you opponents no matter what, and Lachie [is the same].<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, McLean was flattered to learn NSW coach Laurie Daley had inquired about his availability for future Origin campaigns in the event the NRL changes eligibility criteria to allow New Zealand players to represent the Blues or Queensland.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Casey McLean and Blaize Talagi have been on fire on the Panthers\u2019 left edge.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n
McLean, who was born and raised in Sydney\u2019s west, played Test football for the Kiwis last year to honour his mother and father, Shannon and William. Under current eligibility rules, McLean cannot now represent NSW and Australia.<\/p>\n