Penrith Panthers are delighted to announce the re-signings of local juniors Jesse and Casey McLean.
The new contracts will keep these talented young outside backs with the Panthers until at least the end of the 2028 season.
Their re-signings come just before tonight’s Under-19s State of Origin match, where Jesse and Casey will both proudly represent New South Wales. Jesse has also been named co-captain of the team.
Nineteen-year-old Jesse made his NRL debut against Parramatta in Round 26 last year and returned to first grade against St George Illawarra in Round 13 this season.
Having progressed through the Panthers system, Jesse, an Australian Schoolboys representative, scored a double in the 2022 SG Ball Grand Final, including the match-winning try, and claimed the Panthers SG Ball Emerging Talent Award that year.
Jesse advanced to the Panthers NSW Cup team, becoming a key player in Ben Harden’s side, and has been part of the club’s NRL squad for the past two seasons.
Casey will join the top 30 squad next season and remain with the Panthers for at least four more seasons.
The 18-year-old was named the Panthers Player of the Year for Harold Matthews last season and represented the Combined Independent Schools at the Australian Secondary Schools Championships.
Still eligible for SG Ball, Casey started this season with the club’s Jersey Flegg side before moving up to the NSW Cup team, where he has played six matches.
Panthers General Manager of Football Shane Elford congratulated Jesse and Casey on their long-term re-signings, emphasizing the club’s commitment to developing local talent.
“Not only are the McLean brothers highly talented rugby league players, but they are also wonderful young men who live out the values of the Panthers,” Elford said.
“Jesse and Casey have both worked tirelessly to be in the position they are in and we look forward to their career progression at Panthers.”
