Jordan McLean’s rugby league story began in the small New South Wales country town of Young, where he played his junior football for the Young Cherrypickers. As a young prop, he quickly drew attention, eventually being signed by the Canberra Raiders. He continued to hone his craft, and by 2009, he was part of the Melbourne Storm’s NYC premiership-winning team, a sign of the immense potential he possessed.
His NRL debut for the Melbourne Storm came in 2013, a significant moment for the young forward. He found his rhythm quickly, scoring his first career try that same season. His hard work paid off spectacularly in 2017. He was a key part of the dominant Melbourne Storm team that won the NRL Grand Final. His strong performances earned him a call-up to the Australian national team for the Rugby League World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in their World Cup Final victory over England.
It was a dream year for any rugby league player, a culmination of his dedication and perseverance.
Following his success, McLean made a significant move to the North Queensland Cowboys on a three-year deal.
He expressed his determination to “earn the boys’ trust” and not rest on his laurels.
His time at the Cowboys was marked by his consistent performance and his growing role as a leader. He overcame a challenging start with an injury in his first season to become the club’s Players’ Player in 2019, a testament to his value to the team.
Throughout his career, McLean was the picture of consistency. He was known for his high work rate, powerful running, and a tackle efficiency that was among the best in the competition. He remained a leader on and off the field, offering a steadying veteran presence to the team.
With a career spanning over 240 NRL games, it was announced that he would be retiring at the end of the 2025 season, a testament to the boy from Young who became a powerful force in the game.
– Tully Potts
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