“We’ve seen players be passionate for their states and be passionate for their country of heritage,” Daley said.
“I’ve always said that if a player wants to play for NSW, they have to be passionate about doing it, and they can’t be simply ticking a box. If they want to be there, they’ll be considered. Casey is a really good player.”
McLean, who joined his brother Jesse to help promote the NRL’s multicultural round in Sydney’s 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.
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.
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“It would mean a lot to represent both worlds [New Zealand and NSW] where mum and dad are from, and where I’ve grown up, the schools I played for, the junior clubs I played for – I was born in Blacktown, and I played with clubs in the Penrith comp – it would be special,” McLean said.
“Latrell Mitchell has always played exceptionally well for NSW. ‘Critta’ [Crichton] is right up there for me. He’s proven himself to be the greatest centre in the game right now.”
When the Panthers were weighing up whether to allow Crichton to exit the club for the chance to join the Bulldogs, some of the pain was eased knowing McLean was coming through.
The Panthers have been almost flawless in the opening two rounds, conceding one try. They’ve enjoyed plenty of success on their left edge with McLean, back-rower Isaiah Papali’i, five-eighth Blaize Talagi and winger Thomas Jenkins working well together.
McLean said defence had been the primary focus in the opening rounds, and the success was being driven by co-captains Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary.
