Cousins Chan and McLean Set for All Stars Debut, Celebrating Māori Heritage

Rugby league players Joe Chan and Casey McLean, who are cousins, are preparing to make their All Stars debuts, representing their Māori heritage. Their familial connection became known during an introduction into the All Stars camp as they prepared to recite their pepehas.

Shared Roots and Heritage

Chan, 23, and McLean, 19, grew up in nearby Sydney suburbs and had previously played together only in informal backyard games. Their families share both Chinese and Māori heritage; their great-grandfather immigrated from China to New Zealand. Chan's father, Alex, notably represented Aotearoa Māori in 1993.

Embracing Cultural Pride

Both players articulated pride in representing their Māori culture, particularly while playing in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Chan, born in Sydney, identifies Taupō as his ancestral home.

McLean, who has previously played four Tests for the Kiwis, stated that representing his Māori heritage alongside his cousin is a significant experience.

On-Field Aspirations

McLean typically plays on the left edge as a centre or winger, while Chan plays on the right as a second-rower or centre. The cousins have expressed a desire to play on the same side during the upcoming game against the Indigenous All Stars.

They also hold a shared aspiration for all four cousins in their extended family, including Tiaki and Jesse, to play together professionally in the future.