Rising Panthers star confirms NSW Blues interest after ‘tough’ Kiwis call earlier in career

Penrith Panthers rookie sensation Casey McLean has become the third New Zealand international to confirm interest in playing State of Origin football.

After Addin Fonua-Blake (New South Wales) and Briton Nikora (Queensland) revealed last week that they want to represent their respective state, the former Under-19s New South Wales Blues representative has become the latest international player to open the door to potentially pulling on the sky blue jersey at the senior level.

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Born in Blacktown, New South Wales, the 19-year-old is eligible for selection following a change to the Origin rules and could come into consideration for this year’s State of Origin series.

However, McLean will have to contend with incumbent centres Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton for a spot in the line-up as well as the likes of Campbell Graham, Tom Trbojevic and Bradman Best.

“Yeah, I suppose so,” McLean told foxsports.com.au when asked if he wants represent the New South Wales Blues.

“It was a really tough decision (to play for New Zealand and not the Blues at the time) but at the end of the day, I wanted to represent my family and where I come from.

“But I put on that Under-19s jersey to represent where I’m from, so that’d be a cool thing.

“Growing up in New South Wales and playing my junior footy back in Penrith, it’ll be cool to represent that side, but then also stay with my roots and where I want to represent.”

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The decision from McLean comes as the Panthers attempt to regain the premiership from the Brisbane Broncos, who broke the club’s streak of four consecutive titles.

A premiership threat alongside the Broncos, Storm and the Sydney Roosters, the Panthers haven’t lost any superstars from their roster - like they have in recent years - and have instead recruited six new players.

Five of them come from the New Zealand Warriors side, which won the 2025 NSW Cup and State Championship titles, and Jack Cogger has returned to the club following a stint with the Knights.

“You always get really greedy and hungry for wins and victory - it’s human nature,” McLean added.

“We’ve had it for so long, we’re still striving to be better as a team and better as individuals. It’s just a cool environment to be part of.

“Towards the back end of last year, we found a bit of rhythm, and I think it helped everyone. We came together, started to build combinations and just got to keep building and play to our strengths.

“You don’t want to be that teammate that let’s another one down.

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