LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Following the departure of David Fale to the St George Illawarra Dragons, the Penrith Panthers face the possibility of losing another promising young winger. A Queensland club is keeping a close eye on the situation of an Under-19s NSW Blues representative.
Despite being one of the most contracted players at the Panthers, Jesse McLean has struggled to secure a regular place in the team. He has been regularly overlooked in favor of younger talents such as his brother Casey, Thomas Jenkins, and Paul Alamoti.
Having played only four matches in the last three seasons, News Corp reports that the Gold Coast Titans are closely monitoring McLean's contract status, particularly if he chooses to pursue an early release in search of more playing opportunities.
McLean, who is regarded as more talented than his brother in their younger days, progressed through the Panthers' ranks and was also selected for the NSW Waratahs Under-14s and Under-15s squads in rugby union.
He acknowledged his openness to playing both codes but expressed a desire to follow in the footsteps of his father, who had a stint in the NRL.
"I was playing rugby, playing league and sort of just playing in all different rep sides but when it comes down to Year 12, league's where my heart was at," McLean noted. "My old man played in the NRL so it was good to follow that on."