Casey
McLean
Sydney-born outside back Casey McLean made his NRL debut for Penrith and received a Kiwis call-up in 2024 at just 18 years of age.
The Blacktown Bears junior rose through the Panthers’ junior grades, joined older brother Jesse in the club’s NSW Cup side in 202
Just 10 days after representing NSW Under-19s, McLean was drafted into the Origin-depleted Panthers’ NRL line-up on the wing for a clash with North Queensland Cowboys.
McLean subsequently had a six-game stint at centre for the three-time defending champs – scoring three tries – and finished the domestic season by playing in Penrith’s NSW Cup finals campaign.
The rangy tyro’s talent was recognised with his selection in New Zealand’s 2024 Pacific Championships squad and he received a late call-up to the wing for the promotion/relegation showdown with Papua New Guinea. In one of the great Kiwis debuts, he became just the fifth player ever to score four tries in a Test for New Zealand and also produced a dazzling try assist in the 54-12 defeat of the Kumuls.
Off the back of his memorable Kiwis debut, the 19-year-old had a breakout season for Penrith in 2025, playing 23 matches and finishing with 16 tries and 11 try assists. McLean was a standout in his second international campaign for New Zealand, scoring twice and making three line breaks in Round 1 against Toa Samoa, adding a try and three line breaks against Tonga, and crossing again in the Grand Final against Toa Samoa. He has now scored in every Test match he has played, tallying eight tries in four games.
McLean shapes as an exciting long-term prospect for both the Panthers and the Kiwis.
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Casey
McLean
Sydney-born outside back Casey McLean made his NRL debut for Penrith and received a Kiwis call-up in 2024 at just 18 years of age.
The Blacktown Bears junior rose through the Panthers’ junior grades, joined older brother Jesse in the club’s NSW Cup side in 202
Just 10 days after representing NSW Under-19s, McLean was drafted into the Origin-depleted Panthers’ NRL line-up on the wing for a clash with North Queensland Cowboys.
McLean subsequently had a six-game stint at centre for the three-time defending champs – scoring three tries – and finished the domestic season by playing in Penrith’s NSW Cup finals campaign.
The rangy tyro’s talent was recognised with his selection in New Zealand’s 2024 Pacific Championships squad and he received a late call-up to the wing for the promotion/relegation showdown with Papua New Guinea. In one of the great Kiwis debuts, he became just the fifth player ever to score four tries in a Test for New Zealand and also produced a dazzling try assist in the 54-12 defeat of the Kumuls.
Off the back of his memorable Kiwis debut, the 19-year-old had a breakout season for Penrith in 2025, playing 23 matches and finishing with 16 tries and 11 try assists. McLean was a standout in his second international campaign for New Zealand, scoring twice and making three line breaks in Round 1 against Toa Samoa, adding a try and three line breaks against Tonga, and crossing again in the Grand Final against Toa Samoa. He has now scored in every Test match he has played, tallying eight tries in four games.
McLean shapes as an exciting long-term prospect for both the Panthers and the Kiwis.
PROFILE
Height M
187
WEIGHT KG
95
DOB
Apr 24, 2006
HIGHLIGHTS
Test matches
4
Test points
32
PENRITH PANTHERS (2024-present)
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Kiwis claim Pacific Cup glory in Foran’s farewell
The New Zealand Kiwis have crowned their Pacific Championships campaign with a 36–14 victory over Toa Samoa at CommBank Stadium, delivering the perfect send-off for veteran playmaker Kieran Foran in his final Test match.
Trailing 14–6 at halftime, the Kiwis stormed home with 30 unanswered points in a dominant second half. Foran was instrumental in the comeback, combining brilliantly with Dylan Brown, who produced a standout performance featuring three try assists, 10 tackle breaks and 181 running metres.
Isaiah Papali’i crossed for two tries, while Casey McLean, Erin Clark, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad also found the line. Clark’s powerful run early in the second half shifted momentum, before Papali’i’s second try in the 76th minute sealed the result.
Fullback Keano Kini continued his breakout tournament with 125 metres, six tackle breaks and four offloads, while Naufahu Whyte made a huge impact off the bench with 194 metres and seven tackle breaks.
The win secures New Zealand’s second Pacific Cup title in three seasons and confirms their status as a leading contender ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Head coach Stacey Jones praised his side’s resilience and composure under pressure, noting the leadership of Foran and the team’s ability to respond after a tough first half.
It was a night of pride and celebration for New Zealand Rugby League, closing out the Pacific Championships with silverware and a fitting farewell for one of the Kiwis’ most respected players.
Kiwis rise to the occasion in front of record Eden Park crowd
The New Zealand Kiwis have delivered a statement performance at Eden Park, powering past Tonga XIII 40–14 in front of a roaring crowd of more than 38,000 – the largest attendance for a Kiwis Test in over a decade.
The atmosphere was electric from the opening whistle, with both nations’ colours flooding the stands. Tongan supporters brought their trademark passion and noise, met equally by black jerseys through out the crowd and flags from the Kiwi faithful. Every tackle, kick, and try was met with thunderous energy, turning Eden Park into a true celebration of Pacific rugby league.
The Kiwis were clinical from the outset, running in four tries before halftime to take a commanding 24–2 lead. Dylan Brown starred in the halves with a double, while Jamayne Isaako’s accurate boot kept the scoreboard ticking over. Captain James Fisher-Harris led from the front, setting the tone with his physicality and relentless effort through the middle.
Tonga battled bravely in the second half and found moments of spark through the likes of Daniel Tupou and Jason Taumalolo, but New Zealand’s defensive structure held firm. Each Kiwi interchange made an impact, with the bench adding energy and intent to close out the match in style.
For NZRL, the result marks more than just a win it’s a reflection of the growing strength and pride in the national programme. The team’s professionalism, unity, and precision shone under pressure, reinforcing their status as one of international rugby league’s powerhouse nations.
Following the match, fans were treated to a special live performance by Josh Tatofi, who took the stage under the Eden Park lights. His soulful set capped off an unforgettable night that celebrated culture, competition, and connection — a true showcase of what rugby league means to Aotearoa and the Pacific.
The Kiwis will now shift focus to the Pacific Championships Final in Sydney, carrying momentum, belief, and the backing of an entire nation behind them.
Kiwis Make Late Changes For Tonga Encounter
Injuries have forced late changes to the New Zealand Kiwis’ lineup for today’s Pacific Championships clash against Tonga at Eden Park (6.05pm kickoff).
Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Sebastian Kris have both been ruled out after picking up leg injuries in training this week.
Kris was named to make his second Test appearance replacing the injured Ronaldo Mulitalo on the left wing while Asofa-Solomona was listed in jersey #18 when the team was selected on Tuesday.
Their withdrawals leave the Kiwis with the bare game day complement of 19 players.
With Kris out, centre Casey McLean – who has scored six tries in first two Tests – has been shifted to the left wing where he made his Test debut against Papua New Guinea in Sydney last year.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is moved from fullback into the centres and Keano Kini will start at fullback. Scott Sorensen has been confirmed as 18th man with Zach Dockar-Clay 19th man.
PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025
NEW ZEALAND v TONGA
EDEN PARK
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2025
20 Keano Kini
2 Jamayne Isaako
3 Matthew Timoko
1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
4 Casey McLean
6 Dylan Brown
7 Kieran Foran
8 James Fisher-Harris (C)
9 Phoenix Crossland
10 Moses Leota
11 Briton Nikora
12 Isaiah Papali’i
13 Joseph Tapine
14 Te Maire Martin
15 Naufahu Whyte
16 Erin Clark
17 Xavier Willison
19 Scott Sorensen
21 Zach Dockar-Clay
Coach: Stacey Jones
Mclean To Make Test Debut Against Papua New Guinea
Biography
Last updated:
November 20, 2025
Sydney-born outside back Casey McLean made his NRL debut for Penrith and received a Kiwis call-up in 2024 at just 18 years of age.
The Blacktown Bears junior rose through the Panthers’ junior grades, joined older brother Jesse in the club’s NSW Cup side in 202
Just 10 days after representing NSW Under-19s, McLean was drafted into the Origin-depleted Panthers’ NRL line-up on the wing for a clash with North Queensland Cowboys.
McLean subsequently had a six-game stint at centre for the three-time defending champs – scoring three tries – and finished the domestic season by playing in Penrith’s NSW Cup finals campaign.
The rangy tyro’s talent was recognised with his selection in New Zealand’s 2024 Pacific Championships squad and he received a late call-up to the wing for the promotion/relegation showdown with Papua New Guinea. In one of the great Kiwis debuts, he became just the fifth player ever to score four tries in a Test for New Zealand and also produced a dazzling try assist in the 54-12 defeat of the Kumuls.
Off the back of his memorable Kiwis debut, the 19-year-old had a breakout season for Penrith in 2025, playing 23 matches and finishing with 16 tries and 11 try assists. McLean was a standout in his second international campaign for New Zealand, scoring twice and making three line breaks in Round 1 against Toa Samoa, adding a try and three line breaks against Tonga, and crossing again in the Grand Final against Toa Samoa. He has now scored in every Test match he has played, tallying eight tries in four games.
McLean shapes as an exciting long-term prospect for both the Panthers and the Kiwis.
fixtures & results
