![\"Christian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/635402f1698dc5687fb8f98be5c093fe76cbc56f.png\")
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March 17, 2026 \u2014 4:30pm<\/p>\n
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Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n Save this article for later<\/p>\n Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime.<\/p>\n Got it<\/p>\n AAA<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI like his defence, I like the way he carries the ball strongly, and while he\u2019s only young, he\u2019s not overawed by anything \u2013 I think he\u2019s a wonderful player,\u201d Daley said.<\/p>\n McLean was initially ruled ineligible to represent the Blues after playing for New Zealand in last year\u2019s Pacific Championships. He wanted to honour his heritage and mother and father, Shannon and Willie, a former North Sydney Bears player.<\/p>\n But when the ARL Commission overhauled its State of Origin eligibility rules<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n On Friday night at Allianz Stadium, McLean will oppose Roosters and Queensland centre Rob Toia.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s Bradman Best, Manly speedster Tolu Koula<\/a>, and McLean.<\/p>\n Daley said the fact McLean initially chose the Kiwis over the Blues would not hurt his chances.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve seen players be passionate for their states and be passionate for their country of heritage,\u201d Daley said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve always said that if a player wants to play for NSW, they have to be passionate about doing it, and they can\u2019t be simply ticking a box. If they want to be there, they\u2019ll be considered. Casey is a really good player.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n McLean, who joined his brother Jesse to help promote the NRL\u2019s multicultural round in Sydney\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n![\"Casey](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773769879_984_7685cfc18c4e0be18b664bfd937bc57db3bafffd09255f1818453fdcec4bd548.jpeg\")
Casey McLean helped promote the NRL\u2019s Multicultural Round at Wentworthville on Tuesday.NRL<\/p>\n
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