How 23 minutes changed Casey McLean’s life forever
The huge reception Casey McLean received out west at his junior club during the week was a tiny snapshot of what he has experienced since his Origin debut.
A week after making his memorable NSW Origin debut, Panthers youngster Casey McLean returned to one of his junior clubs in Sydney’s west, and answered all sorts of funky questions from the children now aspiring to be just like him.
McLean and New Zealand Warriors’ cult hero Dallin Watene-Zelezniak were mobbed by more than 600 kids at Peppertree Reserve, the home of the St Clair Comets who play in the Penrith juniors.
The love and attention for McLean among the kids is something he might want to get used to.
The 20-year-old did well to keep a straight face when hearing one of the first questions fired at him.
“Casey, do you prefer NSW or Queensland?,” the young player asked confidently, and innocently.
“I loved the New Zealand Warriors; I loved Manu Vatuvei, then I loved watching Shaun Johnson.”
McLean was injected into Origin I last month after winger Tolu Koula was flattened by Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga in the 57th minute.
Those next 23 minutes have changed McLean’s life as the young Panther made a strong impression in his limited game time. The huge reception from the St Clair players was a snapshot of what he has experienced the past week.
“I’ve noticed I’ve been stopped that little bit more when I’ve gone to the shops to get some food,” McLean said.
“To share that moment last Wednesday with my family – most of my immediate family were there to experience it with me – it was super cool to walk off the field and see how happy they were.
McClean is a huge chance of earning a starting spot for Origin II at the MCG on June 17 should Stephen Crichton’s shoulder not improve.
Crichton is no certainty to play for the Dogs on Monday evening, before the Blues squad is announced. McLean also has to get through Sunday’s game against Wests Tigers.
NSW coach Laurie Daley knows McLean can slot into left centre, or play left wing, should Koula be moved in one position.
McLean played on the wing a couple of times for New Zealand during last year’s Pacific Championships and did an excellent job for Kiwis coach Stacey Jones.
Jones was at CommBank Stadium last Sunday night when McLean bagged a couple of tries against the Warriors and came up with a match-winning tackle for Penrith on Taine Tuaupiki.
“He carries the ball from the back field really strongly, and he’s good in the air,” Jones said.
“He’s just a very smart footballer. He comes into camp, he knows his role, and he’s obviously in a good system at Penrith. He’s a special player.”
Watene-Zelezniak watched McLean calmly position himself in front of him to catch a kick and score a try against
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