Storm's McLean happy to dodge spotlight

Prop Jordan McLean only has a handful of NRL games left with Melbourne but says he is happy that the spotlight is on departing halfback Cooper Cronk.

Jordan McLean of the Storm

Prop Jordan McLean's time with the Melbourne Storm is fast drawing to a close. (AAP)

There has been little talk about Jordan McLean's Melbourne NRL career fast coming to a close.

And that's just the way the giant prop likes it.

Ahead of the Storm's qualifying final against Parramatta at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon, all of the spotlight has been on the departing Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith's record 356th NRL match.

McLean will join North Queensland next season after signing a three-year deal that ends his Storm journey, which started with their youth team in 2009 alongside the Bromwich brothers Jesse and Kenny.

The 25-year-old said he was happy to have escaped the bulk of the attention heading into the finals.

"There hasn't been too much of a fuss and that's the way I like it," McLean said.

"I'm happy with all the focus to be on Coops and Cam. They deserve all of the spotlight."

With two young children, the move to Townsville is about being closer to his wife's family and while McLean is excited about a new opportunity he says it is bittersweet.

"I love this place and everyone here but it's the best thing for my family," he said.

"When the time comes it's going to be tough to go, I came to Melbourne when I was 17 and have a lot of good mates here."

That bond grew even tighter back in 2014 McLean was suspended for his part in the tackle that left Newcastle's Alex McKinnon in a wheelchair.

McLean said the support from the club and his teammates helped him through.

"The club has supported me through the good and bad and the bonds with certain people have helped me through the tough times," he said.

Second-rower Tohu Harris, who joined the NYC team in 2010, is also leaving for the Warriors, ending an era for the forwards who have grown into one of the game's best packs.

"I haven't really thought about it being end of an era but I do want to finish on a good note with those fellas," McLean said.


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Source: AAP


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