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.

McLean shapes as an exciting long-term prospect for both the Panthers and the Kiwis.