McLean on standby as Crichton sits out first NSW training session

He filled Stephen Crichton’s shoes in the centres for Penrith, but NSW is hopeful Casey McLean won’t have to do the same for the Blues in State of Origin I after the Canterbury captain sat out the first major training session of the campaign.

The Blues held an open practice on Wednesday in front of thousands of locals at Morry Breen Oval on the Central Coast, although Crichton didn’t participate in any of the major drills. Crichton has been hampered by a grade-five AC joint injury that will require pain-killing needles before facing the Maroons, but said earlier this week he expected to participate in all sessions.

However, the Blues have taken a cautious approach with the star centre, who watched on as his teammates were put through their paces. The NSW hierarchy is confident Crichton will take his place against the Maroons for Origin I at Accor Stadium, although McLean stepped into his place on Wednesday.

McLean, named on a six-man bench, expected Crichton to play but said he was ready to fill the void if required.

“Yeah, 100 per cent,” McLean said. “Loz [coach Laurie Daley] already told me, ‘Just train like you’re playing’.

“I’m grateful to be part of this, I’ll still train like normal. There’s heaps of boys I know here and then connect up with other boys.”

Asked if McLean was up to replacing Crichton, if required, Panthers teammate Isaah Yeo said: “I’ll be very surprised if Critter is in any doubt at all, but Casey’s here because Laurie trusts him that if he was having to play then, he’d do a wonderful job for his state.

“Critter will be fine, but at the same time, Casey’s here because Laurie trusts him. He trusts him because of what he’s seen on the field and what Casey has produced, that has earned him an opportunity.”

McLean is the beneficiary of new Origin rules that have been introduced on and off the field. A change in the eligibility laws allows him to represent NSW after playing for the Kiwis, while he will be one of the first players to be added to a six-man bench at interstate level.

“Yeah, just stoked and he absolutely earned it with his performances,” Yeo said of McLean.

“He was talking about it the other day, I think he’s born in 2006, but you quickly forget how little footy he’s actually played and what he’s been able to do in that short space of time.

“He’s been outstanding for us this year and for the week just gone at Magic Round he was outstanding again. I’m stoked for him.”

When unveiling his team, Daley accidentally introduced “Casey McLean” as “Casey McGuire” – a former Maroons player – instead. The moment has done the rounds on social media and McLean can see the lighter side of it.

“It’s funny. Daley apologised, but it’s a funny story,” McLean said.

“I did not [know who McGuire was]. Obviously a few things came out and I had to give him a little research. He’s got more [premiership] rings than me.”