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FIFA World Cup 2026 posterWhy Daley is ready for Blues to enter Strange new world
George Clarke, AAP • May 26th, 2026 2:09 pm
Canberra's Ethan Strange is on the cusp of an Origin debut after bad news for Mitch Moses | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Laurie Daley has tipped Ethan Strange to take to the pressures of State of Origin with ease after the powerful Canberra five-eighth was rushed in to start in his NSW debut.
Blues coach Daley confirmed on Tuesday that Parramatta's Mitchell Moses had been ruled out of the series opener, paving the way for Strange to make his first Origin appearance.
Strange will line up alongside Nathan Cleary with Canterbury's Matt Burton joining the NSW six-man bench for Wednesday's game.
Moses felt his hamstring tweak at the end of the Blues' Monday morning training session in Gosford and Daley told reporters in Sydney that the injury outlook was positive, suggesting the Eels captain could return for game two at the MCG on June 17.
"It's not a major tear at all, it's very minor, but no it's just too risky 48 hours out," Daley said.
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But the Blues coach believes 21-year-old Strange is primed to make an impact for his unexpected Origin debut after excelling at club level in Daley's old Raiders No.6 jersey.
"I've always loved Ethan as a player and I probably watch more Canberra games than any other team, so I've got a fair idea on Ethan as a player," Daley said.
"I like the way that he plays and at this level, if you've got a strong running game and you want to challenge the defence, there's a lot of fatigue that happens in Origin.
"If he just backs his instincts, he'll play well so I'm not worried about Ethan he'll play well."
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has previously claimed Strange has similar attacking traits to his long-time Raiders halves partner Daley.
Blues legend Andrew Johns and former NSW coach Phil Gould have waxed lyrical about Strange's suitability for Origin.
Strange was integral to Canberra's charge to last year's minor premiership and Daley believes the Green Machine star could excel at a rain-soaked Accor Stadium.
Ethan Strange has been backed by Blues past and present ahead of his Origin debut | Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP
"He'll compete tomorrow night, and those types of players are really suited to Origin," Daley said.
"I think anyone with a bit of footwork in these you're going to have to be steady when you defend, anyone with footwork in these type of conditions is always dangerous."
Blues captain Isaah Yeo described Strange as a "sponge" around Cleary on last year's Kangaroo tour.
Cleary will shoulder a heavier burden in deciding NSW's last-tackle options.
He and Moses have two of the biggest boots in the NRL but Strange is not a noted yardage kicker.
Strange will become Cleary's sixth halves partner in what will be the No. 7's 18th Origin appearance.
"You could just see he was gravitating towards Nathan, Mitch and Cameron Munster was over there (in England) as well," Yeo said.
"We've obviously prepared for different things and different scenarios, so Ethan and Nathan have had little moments together on the field.
"Ultimately, we want Ethan to be Ethan, and his best attributes are when he's running, taking the line on, and being being hard to handle."
Tune into Sport Nation for live commentary of State of Origin I - this Wednesday from 9pm, available on all NZ frequencies and the app.
