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ABC Top Stories6/16/2026Sports1 min readAustralia

Ethan Strange to play back-row off bench in State of Origin II

Quick Look

  • Ethan Strange is slated to play in the back-row off the interchange bench for the NSW Blues in State of Origin II.
  • Coach Laurie Daley intends to utilize Strange's strengths as a strong runner of the ball.

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Why It Matters

Ethan Strange is set to be used in the back-row for the NSW Blues in State of Origin II, coming off the interchange bench. He made his debut as five-eighth in Origin I as a replacement for Mitchell Moses.

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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

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This article was originally published by ABC Top Stories.

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