The Penrith Panthers have announced the re-signing of talented outside back Casey McLean who will remain at the club until the end of the decade.
The club has moved quickly to retain one of its brightest young talents, with McLean signing a two-year extension on top of his current contract, which was due to expire at the end of 2028.
It keeps him at the Panthers until at least the end of 2030.
McLean progressed through the club's elite pathways system, which saw him break onto the scene and make his NRL debut at the age of 18.
That same year, he made his Test debut for the New Zealand Kiwis in the Pacific Championships, scoring four tries in his first international game.
He has gone on to represent the NSW Blues in State of Origin and is widely considered one of the best centres in the competition, forming a lethal combination with Thomas Jenkins in 2026.
McLean was injected into Game 1 of this year's State of Origin series after Tolutau Koula was knocked out and impressed exceedingly, but missed out on Game 2 due to a quad injury in camp.
Panthers general manager Shane Elford said he is thrilled to have McLean extend his time at the foot of the mountains and is excited to what his future holds in Penrith.
“Casey is an outstanding young player who has come through our pathways system and continued to develop at every level,” Elford said.
“To have already represented both New South Wales and New Zealand at such a young age is a testament to his talent, commitment and maturity.
“We are excited about what Casey can achieve in the years ahead and are thrilled that he will remain a Panther until at least the end of 2030.”
McLean has made 45 appearances in Panthers colours, scoring an impressive 26 times during his brief career so far.
With 141 average run metres per game, McLean shows he can roll up his sleeves and perform the hard carries out of his own end, as well as scoring tries and setting them up.
McLean backed up his stellar 2024 Kiwis campaign with another run of performances last year, earning the NZRL Rookie of the Year award for 2025.
With Brian To'o departing Penrith at the end of next year, it was critical the Panthers retained McLean to help ease the pressure on the club.
McLean is currently out with a hand fracture sustained in early August, but is expected to be available for selection next week when the Panthers travel to Melbourne to face the Storm on Thursday.
