In the lead-up to the 2026 NRL season, Casey McLean is certainly making waves with his outstanding performance.
While Raiders' Ethan Strange has also had a stellar week, it's hard to overlook McLean's impact.
Strange shone in his Origin debut for the Blues and followed it up with a remarkable display in Canberra's victory.
On the other hand, McLean made his own debut for New South Wales last Wednesday, showcasing his talent during a brief appearance off the bench.
Just four days later, he became the sole Panthers representative to back up, and he did not disappoint.
His impressive showing against the Warriors included two tries, along with a crucial late-game save that underscored his skill.
Post-match, the 20-year-old provided a humorous moment when asked why he played while his Origin teammates, Brian To'o, Nathan Cleary, and Isaah Yeo, did not.
NRL legend Bryan Fletcher posed the question on Sunday Night with Matty Johns: "What about your Origin teammates, why didn't they play? Your two captains just said no."
McLean's performance certainly added a new layer of intrigue to the Panthers' season and highlights his potential as a key player moving forward.