Ethan Strange will be debuting for New South Wales on Wednesday evening, with the Canberra Raiders young gun chosen to replace now-injured veteran Mitchell Moses at five-eighth in the 2026 State of Origin series opener.
The 21-year-old five-eighth was originally named on the Blues’ extended bench. Moses pulling up sore in extra work on Monday changed plans, though, and after the Eels captain failed to get through a training run on Tuesday morning, Laurie Daley decided that he wanted Strange playing in the six instead of a struggling and hurt Moses.
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Strange won’t have to do everything himself, though — he’ll start in his natural halves position alongside champion Nathan Cleary, who will now have complete command of the Blues side as the only out-and-out halfback in the starting thirteen. Tactics will likely change to Cleary kicking and leading, and Strange playing his normal fast running game.
Blues performance manager Frank Ponissi said it was a “big loss” to not have Moses playing, but reminded fans Strange has been in the squad since the beginning as well. “[Mitch] and Nathan have worked hard, but Ethan has worked there as well,” he pointed out. “That’s a bonus, to be able to have someone like Ethan, who’s trained all week, both in 6 and 7.”
“He’s been outstanding for the Raiders in the last 18 months, he’s fitted in well with the group and shown a lot of maturity for a young player,” Ponissi added. “He’ll play on a good side with Hudson Young, his Raiders teammate.”
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In a cruel twist of fate, I’d point you to what Moses said at the start of Origin training: “It’s been no secret I obviously haven’t had the best run of injuries the last few years,” Moses said. “I’ve been feeling really good… and coming into this series, I’ve been feeling really good. So, touch wood, I’m injury-free and can punch it out. I’m excited for that challenge.”
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Obviously disappointing for Moses, but it adds excitement to the Blues lineup for Wednesday, with Stranger a bolter to stay in the state team for the foreseeable future should he succeed. Daley obviously thinks he can.
Queensland has been firming in betting and is at $2.22 to win. NSW fetches $1.66.
The Blues are training one more time at Accor Stadium today, with Strange now in the halves.
