Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Casey McLean quad injury news has ruled the Penrith Panthers star out of Wednesday’s State of Origin clash in Melbourne, with the New South Wales Blues player now facing up to a month on the sidelines.
McLean was withdrawn on Saturday before the Blues flew from the Central Coast, with the injury first expected to keep him out for only seven to 10 days.
The setback adds another major National Rugby League storyline after Michael Maguire’s Broncos Future: Calls Grow for Brisbane to Make Tough Coaching Call, as Origin selection and injury calls shape a tense week. Fans can follow official updates through the National Rugby League website.
McLean Still Joins Blues Camp
Despite the injury, McLean has travelled to Melbourne to remain around Laurie Daley’s squad.
The Blues hope his presence can lift teammates before the key State of Origin match.
“A lot of them still wanted me to come down and I suppose they wanted to go as well. So it was kind of cool that they still wanted me to be a part of it,” McLean told 7NEWS.
“I suppose, when you do go down with an injury, the colours do show, you know, and they’ve been behind me ever since.
“And (for me to) still go down there and support them and kind of do my part that way (means a lot).”
Blues Bring in Extra Motivation
New South Wales have added high-profile visitors to camp, with Australian National Basketball Association player Josh Giddey attending the captain’s run.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is also set to address the squad at Tuesday night’s team dinner.
McLean’s absence is a blow on the field, but his decision to stay connected with the group gives the Blues another emotional point before kick-off.
For Penrith Panthers, the focus now turns to managing his recovery and getting him back after the Origin period.