Daley reveals Strange's new role as Blues aim to clinch Origin series win

Tue 16 Jun 2026 at 5:45pm

Tue 16 Jun 2026 at 5:45pm

In short:

Ethan Strange is set to be used in the Blues' back-row when he comes off the interchange bench in State of Origin II.

Blues coach Laurie Daley says he wants Strange to play to his strengths.

What's next?

ABC Sport will live blog State of Origin II on Wednesday evening.

NSW coach Laurie Daley says Ethan Strange is set to be used off the bench as a back-rower in Wednesday's State of Origin II at the MCG.

Strange made an impressive debut as Blues five-eighth when he was a late replacement for the injured Mitchell Moses (hamstring) in Origin I last month.

The Canberra Raiders star scored a try in the Blues' come-from-behind 22-20 win over Queensland in Sydney.

Strange was included on the Blues interchange bench to face the Maroons in Origin II, with Moses named to start despite doubt over his fitness.

"He'll (Strange) come on and probably play the back-row,'' Daley said.

"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 [to] just to carry the football and play to his strengths."

Daley said he had no plans to move Cameron Murray into the starting line-up.

Murray will come off the bench as he did in Origin I.

"Cam (Murray) is a wonderful player, and he's made such a huge impact on the group this year," Daley said.

"Cam gives us plenty coming off the bench so that's the way we'll go."

Murray said he had no qualms about being used as an impact forward.

"I just do what Laurie tells me to do and what the team needs me to do, and that's coming off the bench," Murray said.

AAP