Ethan Strange’s Rise to Prominence in State of Origin
Ethan Strange, the young and talented five-eighth for the NSW Blues, has made a significant impact in his debut season. His time with the Kangaroos tour, particularly his interactions with Nathan Cleary, played a crucial role in his development and performance during the State of Origin Game 1. While Cleary was awarded player of the match, many believed that the recognition should have gone to Strange, who showcased the qualities of an Origin star.
Strange’s running game and tough tackling were instrumental in helping the Blues secure a narrow 22-20 victory. The turning point of the game came with Kalyn Ponga’s send off, which shifted the momentum in favor of the Blues. In the final 24 minutes, Strange caused havoc with his running game, showing no signs of being overwhelmed by the high-pressure environment. His performance has set the stage for him to become a regular in the Blues lineup.
A Strong Foundation from the Kangaroos Tour
Ethan’s father, John Strange, who is also the coach of the NSW Women’s Origin team, shared insights into how the young player benefited from his time on the Kangaroos tour. The experience helped Strange feel at home in the camp, thanks to his participation in the Ashes tour late last year. Although he didn’t get to play in the matches, he gained valuable experience alongside representative players.
John Strange highlighted how Ethan built a strong connection with Nathan Cleary during the tour. “Talk about someone like Nathan Cleary, he came back from the Kangaroos tour last year and even though he didn’t get a game, he talked about the connection he formed with Nathan,” John said on SEN Radio.
He added that during the tour, Ethan and Cleary spent extra time after training sessions, focusing on goal-kicking and general play kicking, but more importantly, discussing football. This bond became evident in their first game together, where they complemented each other well.
A Successful Series for the Women’s Blues
In addition to Ethan’s success, John Strange has led the women’s NSW Blues to a 3-0 series sweep after a 12-4 win on Thursday. The coach expressed his excitement about achieving this feat, especially as the Blues went back-to-back in their victories.
Nathan Cleary’s Performance in Game 1
Nathan Cleary played a pivotal role in the Blues’ victory, turning the game around after the controversial send off. His efforts included a 40/20, a try assist, and a try of his own. The shift in momentum was dramatic when the Blues had a man advantage, and Cleary was grateful for the opportunity to secure the win.
“I felt like a nightmare in the first half and then it felt like a dream,” Cleary said. “That’s rugby league, that’s why we all love it. Happy to be on the right side of it tonight.”
