League: McLean focus stays on footy field

Jordan McLean of the Storm. Photo / Getty Images

Melbourne Storm prop Jordan McLean talks like he plays league - direct with little fuss.

The 23-year-old doesn't like to deviate from the script set by Storm coach Craig Bellamy on field and off.

It will be 12 months this week since McLean's involvement in a three-man spear tackle at AAMI Park that left Newcastle forward Alex McKinnon with a fractured neck and in a wheelchair, with his NRL career over and his life changed forever.

McLean was suspended for seven weeks for his role.

While McKinnon has opened up on the anniversary, McLean has preferred to keep his head down, with the Storm warning that any questions about it were off limits.

Understandably, McLean wants to be known for his football rather than his involvement in a tragic accident and he's doing his best to make that happen.

McLean has been one of Melbourne's star performers in the opening three rounds since taking over the starting role from the retired Bryan Norrie. Standing 1.96m and weighing 118kg, the 23-year-old's combination with fellow front-row enforcer Jesse Bromwich has given the Storm a notable physical presence.

"It helps having a bigger pack there but we're all going along good at the moment," McLean said.

"I'm enjoying starting - there's a little bit more weight on my shoulders which I like."

While New Zealand test representative Bromwich has the full package, McLean said his job was simple - run hard and make tackles.

"I'm pretty basic and Jesse takes care of the footwork and the skill," McLean said. "At the moment, I'm just trying to play a simple game."

McLean signed a new deal before the start of the season to remain with the club until the end of 2017.

He said he never thought about going anywhere else.

"Melbourne's been really good to me, especially through some tough times so I'm repaying the favour back to them."

- AAP