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Why representing the Kiwis means so much to Casey McLean
Sport Nation • October 7th, 2026 2:08 pm
Casey McLean | Photo: David Neilson/Photosport
Kiwis and Panthers centre Casey McLean says representing New Zealand is about more than rugby league, giving him a chance to connect with his culture and honour his family.
The 20-year-old said playing for New Zealand allows him to represent his family and recognise the sacrifices they made before moving to Australia.
“I'm very lucky enough to obviously put on the (NSW) blues jersey represent where where I grew up and where I played my footy, but being able to put on this Kiwis jumper, I get to represent not just myself but my family, my whānau back home and all the sacrifices they made to give me and my family a better life,” he told Sport Nation's Running It Straight.
“So it's obviously more for myself to give back to them and represent them.”
McLean - who scored four tries during his New Zealand debut in 2024 - said representing the Kiwis has helped him learn more about his heritage.
“I grew up and was raised in Australia, so I'm very lucky enough that this kind of does help me bring me back to my culture.
“I get to go back home a couple of times, get to learn about not just myself, but where my family have come from."
NZ Kiwis World Cup squad reaction | Running It Straight
McLean is also excited by the chance to play on rugby league’s biggest stage, in this year's World Cup.
“I still believe it is the pinnacle of rugby league. World Cup, such a big stage, you get to put on the jersey that we come from."
McLean also shared James Fisher-Harris is also back in town, meaning informal preparation is already underway.
“Fish has come back over, he's living back in Penrith now, so there's a handful of us still ticking boxes, training a little bit, probably trying to stay fit.”
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