NRL fans all say same thing after Cleary's brutal call to axe Panthers Test player
McLean had one of the best games of his young career, scoring two tries and setting up another for Dylan Edwards. The 19-year-old had seven tackle breaks and a line-break, and scored a stunning solo try in the second half in which he beat four Rabbitohs defenders on his way to the line.
The teenager has seemingly cemented his spot in the Panthers' back-line after some hot-and-cold form at the start of the season saw him axed to reserve grade twice. McLean made his Test debut for New Zealand at the end of last year, and many thought he'd walk into the Panthers' first-grade side in 2025.
But he started the season with some patchy form, and coach Cleary showed him some tough love by sending him back to NSW Cup. McLean had a three-week stint in reserve-grade between Rounds 9 and 11, and it's proven to be a masterstroke from Cleary.
The coach sent McLean a message that he shouldn't be taking his spot in first-grade for granted, and it's paying off in spades. Since returning in Round 12 against Newcastle, the 19-year-old hasn't missed a beat and has been in superb form over the last month.
Speaking last month, the Kiwi international revealed Nathan Cleary's words of wisdom that kept him on track after being axed. "He just says it's a journey. Not everything's going to be highs, so you've got to ride the lows as well," McLean said. "It's just all learning, you can't take things as negatives. You've got to take everything as a positive, find ways to improve, move forward."
Ivan Cleary's selection masterstrokes paying off
Ivan Cleary's brutal call to axe McLean in Round 9 has proven a masterstroke, as he's come back into first-grade on an absolute tear. And it's not the only selection decision he's got exactly right.
Cleary copped some criticism early in the season when he predominantly kept off-season recruit Blaize Talagi in reserve-grade until Round 6. But that too has proven a genius move as it sent a message to the young five-eighth that he had to earn his spot. While Talagi didn't have his best game in attack on Friday night, he produced one of his better defensive displays.
Cleary's decision to show faith in Thomas Jenkins has also paid off, with the winger having the best year of his career. And Isaiah Papalii had his best game in Panthers colours on Friday night after Cleary moved him into the middle - a decision that also proved controversial when fans couldn't work out why he wasn't playing second-row.
RELATED:
Broncos sign 'next Benji Marshall' from rival NRL club's backyard
Crushing new blow for Knights as Melbourne Storm poach young gun
On Friday night, fans were in awe of McLean's performance, and they can thank coach Cleary for lighting a fire under him. "CASEY McLEAN just keeps getting better and better with each game," wrote Peter Lang of the Western Weekender.
Fellow journalist Ray Gatt wrote: "How good is Casey McLean? Future superstar." While a fan commented: "Dylan Edwards absolute freak tonight and Casey McLean keeps getting better, on to the next."
Good to see him come around from that start of season form. Good resilience.
— Holland Oates (@HollandOates91) July 18, 2025
McLean an absolute gun — young, confident, and best of all, no ego. Great example of this was against Critta and again tonight!!!!
— John Candotti (@Cando1972) July 18, 2025
Garner has a very strong game. Can't believe we aren't trying to keep him. McLean is looking stronger and better every game. Imagine what another good off season could do for the kid.
— David Crellin 🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@dave_crellin) July 18, 2025
Quick, skillful and can tackle as well.
— Ray Gatt (@Gatty54) July 18, 2025
Incredible run from panthers Casey McLean, in closing stage of the game gets Panthers another try No doubt about it Panthers the winners with 2 mins left 30/6 over Rabs.🏉AFL 3rd quarter lions game 71/52 over dogs, Yep as we type Rabs score now 30/10 Panthers WIN FT.🏉🏉
— DEANJA🇦🇺 (@deanja110) July 18, 2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Rival NRL clubs on notice after Munster update as young gun's Storm future in doubt
Player agent Braith Anasta has moved to quell the links of his star five-eighth Cameron Munster leaving Melbourne having suggested he wants to remain in the city, which comes as a blow to young star Jonah Pezet. Speculation over Munster's future took a turn the last week when Jahrome Hughes re-signed with the Melbourne Storm to remain until the end of 2030. With Hughes' extension there were suggestions it was unlikely the Storm could hold onto all three of Munster, Harry Grant and Ryan Papenhuzyen with the club's salary cap under a squeeze. To make matters more interesting, young halfback Pezet has been biding his time under the halves duo. Although Hughes' new deal meant Pezet could now negotiate with other clubs due to a clause in his contract. However, there were suggestions he could still bide his time if Munster was tempted to leave and join the Perth Bears on a lucrative contract. Coach Craig Bellamy was asked about Munster's future at Melbourne and said he would like his star playmaker to remain. While Munster has been continually linked as a marquee signing for the new club, entering the competition in 2027, his agent has moved to quell the hype. Speaking on NRL 360, Anasta said Munster isn't set to leave Melbourne before his deal ends and it's all just speculation at the moment. While Anasta didn't completely rule out the circumstances changing, he said Munster is keen to see out his deal until the end of the 2027 season and potentially stay for even longer. "It's probably right for me to clear a few things up and talk on behalf of the situation," Anasta said. "Cameron doesn't want to leave Melbourne and Melbourne don't want to let him go. At the moment, it's really just all speculation. "One thing is for sure, I'm not shopping him to Perth and I'm not allowed to shop him to Perth. It's a unique situation, because you've got a new franchise which doesn't come along too often and they could have possible interest in him. Then you've got the Melbourne Storm, who are trying to fit five or six superstars into their salary cap. "As it stands right now, it is just speculation and the scenario as it is, nothing is gonna change. He is gonna be at Melbourne for the next couple of years and that's it." This is a huge blow to the Bears who appear they will have to find another marquee signing to start their inaugural season. With Hughes and Munster appearing off the cards, the Bears will need to find another halves star to throw the money at for 2027 and beyond. Jonah Pezet in limbo at Melbourne Storm And Anasta's comments about his player also come as a blow to Pezet. Incredibly, Anasta is also Pezet's agent and is working out what is best for both his players in a tricky situation. The 22-year-old is expected to get more game time in the next few weeks with Hughes out injured with a shoulder dislocation. But many feel Pezet should be starting in the NRL. A loan deal has been tossed around as a potential game-changer for Pezet. This would be similar to what Harry Grant did when he was biding his time behind Cameron Smith. Although Pezet would need to know if Munster is planning on re-signing beyond his 2027 deal. RELATED: Stunning news about Latrell Mitchell as Bennett axing divides NRL hits Wests Tigers player with fine over 'offensive' gesture And the youngster broke his silence this week having claimed he is keen on playing more minutes in the NRL. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to play NRL every week," Pezet said. "As a kid you grow up and that's what you want to do. So of course I want to chase those opportunities. But I'm just focused on putting my best foot forward every week, so that's when Belza (coach Craig Bellamy) picks me in the team." When pushed on what a potential loan deal would be like, Pezet remained coy and said he would leave that up to his manager. "I think I'll leave that up to Braith and everyone at the club ... they'll sort it all out," Pezet said. "With Hughesy going down there's an opportunity there, and I'll keep putting my best foot forward so that when the time comes I'm ready for that wherever it might be. Obviously the best footy I play, the more NRL I'm going to get, so that's what I'm focused on."
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
BetMGM Bonus Code WIREBG150: Grab $150 in Bonus Bets for NFL, MLB, PGA Playoffs & More
The games may not count in the standings, but this week's NFL preseason game definitely matter. Who is going to start at quarterback for the Browns? How about the Colts ... and the Saints? Are this year's first-round draft picks as good as their billing? Which online sportsbooks have the most intriguing welcome offers? We can answer the last one: The BetMGM bonus code WIREBG150 gives you $150 in bonus bets when you win your $10 first bet. If you're a new customer in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or West Virginia, then you collect three $50 bonus bets (along with your first-bet profit) when your $10 first bet wins. If you're a new bettor playing in any o ther state where BetMGM operates, then you get to capitalize on the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE that guarantees you a protected first bet up to $1,500. There are no bigger (and more protected) sportsbook promos than this. If you think NFL exhibitions aren't important and have an effect on the regular season, just take a look at the Browns. They opened camp with five quarterbacks – Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, but all but Flacco are banged up, so Cleveland signed veteran Tyler Huntley on Tuesday. Cleveland opens its preseason schedule Friday night against the Panthers. Check the BetMGM Sportsbook app — one of the nation's elite sports betting apps — to get the latest odds on Browns-Panthers and every other game. It takes just two minutes to create your BetMGM account. Tap any BET NOW button on your screen, answer a few simple questions and then type in either the BetMGM bonus code WIREBG150 or the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to activate your welcome offer. BetMGM Bonus Code Promos: Get $150 in Bonus Bets or $1500 First-Bet Offer Baseball's hottest team is the Red Sox, who won their seventh straight Tuesday night and will look for their second straight sweep in the series finale with the Royals tonight at Fenway. Deadline acquisition Dustin May will make his Red Sox debut on the mound against Kansas City's Michael Wacha. Boston trails Toronto by 3 games in the AL East but has a 2.5-game advantage over Seattle in the American League wild card standings. Everywhere you look, there are massive events happening later this week. In addition to the NFL exhibition games starting tomorrow night, the PGA Tour's $100 million FedExCup playoffs begin tomorrow morning with the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis. NASCAR is only a few weeks away from the start of the Cup Series playoffs, so tempers (and temperatures) will be high for Sunday's race at Watkins Glen. To get started with one of the best sportsbook promos out there, take two minutes to launch your account now. Remember, when you're asked whether you have a bonus code, type the BetMGM bonus code WIREBG150 if you're playing in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or West Virginia to claim $150 in bonus bets for winning a $10 first bet. If you're playing anywhere else, you'll cite the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to clinch one protected first bet up to $1,500. How to Sign Up for the BetMGM Bonus Code Offer If you're 21 or older (in most states) and in one of the more than 20 states where BetMGM operates, you can sign up for a new account with a BetMGM bonus code in a matter of minutes. Here's how: If you're signed up for the $1,500 BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE, place your first bet on any of today's matchups (or any other set of odds), and if it settles as a loss, you'll get bonus bets back. For wagers of $50 and up, the refund comes as five equal bonus bets, while smaller wagers get a single matching credit. With the BetMGM bonus code WIREBG150, you can wager on any set of odds, and if it comes back as a win, you get your winnings plus three $50 bet credits. After signing up for your BetMGM bonus code offer, place your qualifying bet within seven days. You'll have a seven-day window from when bonus bets are deposited to use them or they will expire.
NBC Sports
2 hours ago
- NBC Sports
Mike Vrabel's memory of QB Kliff Kingsbury: "He wasn't better than Tom Brady"
It was over 20 years ago, but Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury were teammates for one season together with New England. Vrabel was a veteran linebacker entering his third season with the club when the Patriots selected Kingsbury at No. 201 overall in the sixth round of the 2003 draft. Kingsbury spent that season on injured reserve as the team went on to win Super Bowl XXXVIII over the Panthers. With enough depth at quarterback, the Patriots cut Kingsbury at the start of the 2004 regular season. So what does Vrabel remember about being Kingsbury's teammate? 'He wasn't better than Tom Brady,' Vrabel said in his Wednesday press conference, eliciting some laughter. 'Kliff's a good friend. I mean there's a handful of coaches over there that I've played with in the league whether that's a year, or in Larry [Izzo]'s case, eight years. So, they've got a good staff, they've got a good mix of guys that played in this league and other guys that didn't, but that's a good coaching staff that they have. 'Kliff's really done a nice job everywhere he's been, offensively.' Kingsbury's NFL career may not have gotten very far, but he did get a Super Bowl ring from that victory over the Panthers. Vrabel helped make it happen on both sides of the ball, catching a 1-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of the season's final game.
