PENRITH’S Casey McLean, a beneficiary of State of Origin’s changed eligibility criteria, has been ruled out of the NSW side for the second match of this year’s series.
The centre or winger had already played four Tests for New Zealand when the elimination of international tiering as a selection consideration allowed him to make his Origin debut in game one, which the Blues came from behind to win.
But he will not be on the Melbourne Cricket Ground when the the series resumes on Wednesday night.
The NSWRL issued a media release on Saturday saying McLean had been ruled out “after straining a quadriceps muscle in training at polytec Stadium, Gosford, this morning.
“NSWRL will work with the NRL before naming a replacement.
“The team travels to Melbourne late this afternoon and will have a rest day on Sunday before their next training session at AAMI Park on Monday.”
Earlier, it was revealed the father of Queensland’s Tino Fa’asuamaleaui had died but he still intended to play in Origin II.
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