ORIGIN BOMB: Laurie Daley unleashes Ethan Strange in shock back-row switch for Game II
NSW coach Laurie Daley has revealed a surprise plan for Ethan Strange ahead of State of Origin II at the MCG, with the young playmaker expected to feature in the back-row when he enters the game from the interchange bench.
Strange, who impressed on debut in Game I after being called in as a late replacement for the injured Mitchell Moses, has quickly become one of the talking points of the Blues squad. Originally selected at five-eighth, his versatility has given NSW another attacking option heading into a crucial Origin clash.
Daley confirmed the adjustment to Strange’s role, indicating that while he won’t start the match, he will be injected into the contest at a different position than many expected. Rather than remaining in the halves or shifting to the outside backs, Strange is likely to be used as a roaming second-rower off the bench, where his running game can be maximised against tiring defenders.
“He’ll come on and probably play the back-row,” Daley said, highlighting the intention to simplify Strange’s responsibilities and lean into his natural strengths. “He’s a strong runner. He’s a guy that is dangerous when he runs the footy. That’s what you want him to do. So he will get an opportunity at some point just to carry the football and play to his strengths.”
The move reflects NSW’s broader strategy of using impact players to shift momentum during the middle stages of the match. Daley also confirmed there are no plans to alter Cameron Murray’s bench role, with the experienced forward continuing to provide punch and energy after starting Game I in a similar capacity.
Murray himself has embraced the assignment, stressing his commitment to the team’s structure rather than personal preference. “I just do what Laurie tells me to do and what the team needs me to do,” he said.
With selection decisions locked in, attention now turns to whether Strange’s adjusted role can spark another strong Blues performance in a high-stakes Origin showdown.
