Teen freak scores four tries on debut as NZ survive relegation battle

Veteran Shaun Johnson starred in his final game of professional rugby league but an 18-year-year-old debutant stole the show.

Eamonn Tiernan

less than 2 min read

November 10, 2024 - 8:52PM

NRL

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New Zealand veteran Shaun Johnson starred in his final game of professional rugby league, but it was 18-year-old debutant Casey McLean’s night against PNG on Sunday.

After a tight first half, the Kiwis ran away with it to clinch a 54-12 victory in the inaugural Pacific Championships promotion-relegation match.

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McLean earned a late call up for his Test debut and he repaid the faith with a stunning four-try haul.

Johnson meanwhile set up five and young gun fullback Keano Kini ran for 315 metres.

Panthers outside back McLean has played just seven NRL games but he was called into the starting side when Will Warbrick failed to overcome a thigh injury.

McLean reacts after scoring the opener on debut.

Casey McLean of New Zealand celebrates with his teammates. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

The teen star crossed in the fifth minute after Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad threw a 20-metre cut-out pass onto his winger’s chest.

The Kiwis scored the first two tries and led 22-6 at the break but the Kumuls could easily have been ahead after bombing several tries and letting in two soft ones on the stroke of halftime.

McLean crossed for his second in the 45th minute after chasing down a pinpoint kick from veteran halfback Shaun Johnson.

The hat-trick arrived in the 58th minute when he got on the end of a Nicoll-Klokstad kick and a beautiful pass from Johnson made it four in the 62nd minute.

Jamayne Isaako also bagged a double and booted six conversions in a stellar night from the New Zealand wingers.

While the Kiwis relinquished the Pacific Championships crown they won with a stunning victory over Australia in last year’s final, they at least ended this year’s tournament on a high note.