It only took six years but the nuggety University No 9 will finally get an opportunity to shine at the next level.
He has been the best No 9 in the premier grade this year. His running game and ability to get back on defence and make tackles in the corner has been noted.
But there has always been other players ahead, until this season when the little guys starting dropping like flies, that is.
Kayne Hammington has moved on and Nathan Hastie had shoulder surgery which has ruled him out for the season.
Tasman nabbed Noah Hotham first and it looks as if the Crusaders have swooped as well.
And Otago No 1 halfback James Arscott has missed a big chunk of the club season with an injury, so the door was left firmly ajar for McClea.
Despite talk he was a good chance, McClea remained focused on his club.
"I didn’t hear about any of that sort of stuff," he said.
"I just wanted to play another good season at the club and luckily got a ring from Sass [Tom Donnelly
"It is good, eh. It took a bit of time but that is the way it goes sometimes. I’ve managed to get a crack which is cool."
McClea, who turns 24 next week, hails from Ashburton but was schooled at Waitaki Boys’. His father and grandfather went to the school and he also had an older brother at the school.
He played for the first XV and in his second year out of school (2018) made two appearances for North Otago as a player of origin.
He was living in Dunedin by then and studying commerce at the University of Otago.
Last year McClea made two appearances for the New Zealand University side.
But a couple of weeks ago he got handed his big break — he had made the Otago squad.
Twenty-three of the 32 Otago squad members have had Super Rugby experience this year, so McClea is among elite company.
But halfback is one of the more contestable positions. He will be jostling with Arscott and former Wellington player Kemara Hauiti-Parapara for game time.
"If I get an opportunity to play I’ll just give it everything. And if that goes well, hopefully I can build on that and get more confidence."
