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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NRL fans all say same thing after Cleary's brutal call to axe Panthers Test player
Some of Ivan Cleary's controversial early-season selection decisions are starting to pay off for the Penrith Panthers - particularly the axing of young gun Casey McLean. The Panthers won their sixth game in a row on Friday night, adding more misery for South Sydney in a 30-10 thrashing. 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
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
AFL 2025: Carlton coach Michael Voss on the form of Tom De Koning and his pending future
Carlton coach Michael Voss denies the change in role and subsequent dip in form for Tom De Koning is connected to the brilliant Blue's end-of-season decision. De Koning has shifted forward in recent weeks and had lesser impact on the game as his career-defining decision to stay a Blue or join St Kilda on lucrative money looms. The ball-winning big man has not had 20 disposals or more in five weeks – a feat he achieved six times in the first half of the year. Voss said De Koning's combination with Marc Pittonet was clear and De Koning remained determined to do what was best for the Blues. 'I think you're reading a little too much into it, even the discussion around the combination, it's black and white for us,' Voss said. 'We need a role to play and he's really determined to get that done, so the discussion around it is for other people to talk about.' De Koning's future has been a topic of each of Voss's weekly press conferences this season. 'I think with anything we'd make a fuss about it, wouldn't we? I've learned enough around who's leaving, who's going and the points of topic,' he joked. 'I think as an industry it is probably more something we need to ask the question of how you (the media) would handle it more so than how we would handle it. 'The most important thing is that what the player wants is just to continue to get on with it. The topic of conversation is more for everyone else, but it's not for us. 'The way we look at things is that any player finds themselves in that situation is about the role they play in the team, the energy they bring for the team, how they make us better. 'That's the only conversation we ever have within the four walls, so that's not changed from the start of the year. 'In time, we'll obviously get what that decision is. We're quite happy with where it is at this point in time, so when we're ready we'll obviously deal with it.' The Blues will need both De Koning and Pittonet firing this Saturday night as they take on Melbourne captain Max Gawn. Carlton received a boost on Friday morning with Cody Walker, the son of former high-flyer Andrew, committing to the club as a father-son selection. 'It's exciting news, fortunately now we get to spend a bit of time with our academy players,' Voss said. 'To have Ben and Lucas Camporeale come through, another Walker through the doors, is very exciting for the football club. 'When that time comes and he's ready to come in, it will be a great story for the football club.'
South China Morning Post
13-05-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
SCMP Best Bets: Value runner the key to Valley success
Sam Agars SOLAR RIVER - R7 (10) Well drawn with no weight to carry and will be tough to pass Jay Rooney EXCELLENCE VALUE - R8 (3) Has been in top form and can take advantageof a perfect draw Trackwork Spy BIENVENUE - R6 (8) Narrowly missed last time out and looks poised to go one better Phillip Woo NIMBLE NIMBUS - R4 (2) Is capable on his day and strikes his favourite Valley 1,650m Shannon (Vincent Wong) EXCELLENCE VALUE - R8 (3) Produced a good second last time and is well drawn for this contest Racing Post Online BIENVENUE - R6 (8) Ran second last start and gets his chance for a breakthrough win Tom Wood SOLEIL FIGHTER - R4 (5) Chased home a good horse last start, back to the Valley is the key
