Casey McLean's arrival in State of Origin signifies the dawn of a promising future.
He believes a major factor behind his success is his willingness to embrace failure; however, it raises the question of whether the rookie even remembers facing setbacks.
On Wednesday night, McLean will step onto the field for New South Wales for the second time, showcasing remarkable talent that has allowed him to achieve more in the first month of his 20s than many accomplish over their careers.
To stay grounded amidst his rapid rise, he relies on the support of family, friends, and his partner, who play a crucial role in keeping him humble.
"I haven't stopped smiling for the last couple of months. Being able to run out for one game, let alone a couple more, is a dream come true," McLean shared.
He added, "I have to ride the highs when I can and they're around, but being able to keep my ego in check - my close circle knows what I need to do that."
Not too long ago, these milestones seemed distant for McLean, who is now thriving as a symbol of a future that has arrived ahead of schedule.
As the youngest player in this series, he embodies a new generation reminding us of the future's inevitability.
McLean played alongside Kieran Foran in the Pacific Championships last year; at that time, Foran had just debuted for New Zealand, while McLean was only three years old.
When teammate James Tedesco began his State of Origin career, McLean was just ten, and as the Panthers embarked on their glorious journey, McLean was merely 13.