A Dream Call-Up for Ethan Strange
Ethan Strange, a 21-year-old debutant, has shared the surreal experience of receiving the call-up to the NSW Blues squad. The moment he saw Laurie Daley’s name on his phone screen left him stunned, marking a significant milestone in his young career.
Strange is one of seven debutants selected in Daley’s squad for Game 1, highlighting a rapid rise that has seen him transition from a teenage prospect to one of the NRL’s most promising playmakers in under three seasons. His journey began with the Canberra Raiders, where he made his NRL debut at the end of 2023 and quickly became the club’s first-choice number six. He also earned a spot in Australia’s Ashes squad last year, training alongside some of the game’s elite players.
The Special Moment
Speaking about the moment he learned he would be wearing the sky blue jersey, Strange described it as a dream phone call. “It was really special,” he told Zero Tackle. “I didn’t know if I was expecting it; it was a little later, and Hudson (Young) got the call a bit earlier than I, so you know I wasn’t 100% sure.”
He was at home with his partner watching football when he saw Daley’s name on his phone. “I was like, oh my god, what’s going on here.” The emotional impact of the call was not lost on his father, John Strange, who is a respected coach in the NRLW landscape. Currently coaching both the Sydney Roosters NRLW side and the NSW women’s team, John has built a reputation as one of the premier coaches in the women’s game, winning multiple premierships over his career.
“He was stoked. He did a lot for me with football and everything growing up. He was just as happy when he found out,” Strange said.
Origin Memories and National Identity
Like many young Blues players, Strange grew up idolising the very players and moments that define State of Origin folklore. When asked about his favourite Origin memory, he immediately pointed to NSW’s famous 2014 series victory, which ended Queensland’s eight-year dominance. “My main one was when they won and broke the streak after all that time. When Hayne Plane ran it dead and ran into the crowd. That’s my fondest Origin memory,” he recalled.
Despite his rapid emergence, Strange’s representative future has been a topic of intrigue due to his eligibility for multiple nations. A few years ago, he reportedly turned down the chance to pledge his allegiance to New Zealand, keeping the door open for NSW Origin selection. With the international eligibility rules now allowing players to represent any nation while remaining eligible for Origin, Strange reaffirmed his commitment to Australia.
“I’ve grown up in Australia. My mum is from England, and my grandma is from New Zealand, but I’ve grown up in Australia. So yeah, I am an Aussie,” he told Zero Tackle.
Learning from the Best
The young playmaker has already had the opportunity to learn from two of the game’s premier halves, Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses, during last year’s Kangaroos camp. Those relationships continue at Origin level. “They are two really great blokes and always willing to lend a helping hand,” he said of Cleary and Moses. “The longer I spend around quality players like that, the better it is going to be for my football.”
Early Career and Influences
Strange’s journey to the NRL arena started at a young age. After initially playing Harold Matthews with the Central Coast Roosters, he was scouted by the Raiders and moved to the nation’s capital while still in school, largely influenced by a conversation with coach Ricky Stuart. “The opportunity arose when I was still in school to go to Canberra full-time,” Strange said. “I spoke to Sticky (Ricky Stuart), and I really liked what he said, and he seemed like a very honest man. Everything he said, he has done, so I am happy I made that decision.”
“He’s a very passionate man, and I love playing for him, and I wouldn’t want to play for any other coach.”
Versatility and Future Prospects
While Strange is currently named in jersey 18, the introduction of the NRL’s new six-man bench rules means he could still play a role in the series opener. Many view his versatility across the halves, lock, and ball-playing forward positions as a valuable asset for Daley’s new-look Blues side. His ability to adapt and contribute in multiple roles makes him a key player to watch in the upcoming games.
