Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Ethan Strange injury concerns have eased for New South Wales, with the Canberra Raiders playmaker named on the Blues’ team sheet for Wednesday night’s State of Origin decider against Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.
The 21-year-old had been racing the clock after rolling his left ankle at training on Thursday, but he completed Monday’s session at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane and is expected to hold his place on the six-man bench.
The update comes during a major cross-code rugby league week, with Mark Nawaqanitawase’s Sydney Roosters return talk starting before his rugby union switch.
Strange Clears Major Fitness Test
New South Wales had treated Monday as decision day for Strange, who has undergone steady treatment since suffering the ankle injury.
The Blues were satisfied with his movement after he ran at training in their penultimate session of camp.
Matt Burton had been on standby to replace Strange, but will return to Sydney to prepare for Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ NRL clash with Canberra Raiders.
For New South Wales, the news is a welcome change after Mitch Moses and Casey McLean were both ruled out by injury in the days before the first two Origin matches.
Blues Value His Versatility
Strange made a major impression in game one when he replaced the injured Moses and helped New South Wales complete the greatest comeback in State of Origin history.
“You’ve seen what he did in game one,” Blues prop Mitch Barnett said before training on Monday.
“I just think he’s a footballer, when given an opportunity to play anywhere on the field, he delivers. He’s an important piece of the puzzle.”
Strange may not be used from the bench in the decider, but he gives the Blues important cover if Nathan Cleary or Moses suffer an injury.
Barnett said the squad had remained hopeful because the injury was not viewed like a hamstring or soft-tissue concern.
“The ankle, I’m not a doctor but I’ve had a couple of them, they’re pretty easy to strap and that sort of thing,” Barnett said.
“I think it’s a bit different if you’re going a hamstring or soft tissue sort of thing. But he just rolled his ankle.”
Official State of Origin updates are available through the NRL.
