NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has selected 21-year-old [1] Raiders forward Ethan Strange to start at centre for the opening State of Origin match.
The decision marks a significant shift in strategy for the Blues as they begin the 2026 series, opting for raw power over veteran experience in a key defensive position.
Strange replaces James Moses, who was ruled out of the series opener due to a calf injury [2]. The selection of a forward to play in the centres is an unconventional move designed to increase the team's physical presence on the field.
Daley said the move was prompted by a desire for a bigger and more powerful centre to disrupt the opposition. The coach also said that the introduction of a new six-man bench rule provides the squad with more flexibility in how they manage player rotations, and positional shifts, during the game.
Strange, who is 21 [1], enters the Origin arena as a relatively inexperienced player compared to the veterans typically favored for the high-pressure environment of the series. His ability to run hard and penetrate defensive lines is expected to be a primary weapon for the Blues in Sydney.
While the loss of Moses creates a gap in the backline, the coaching staff believes that the versatility afforded by the expanded bench allows them to take this tactical risk. The strategy focuses on utilizing Strange's size to create mismatches against smaller opposing backs.
“Ethan Strange to start at centre for the Blues”
The decision to start a forward at centre suggests a tactical pivot toward 'power football,' prioritizing physical intimidation and line-breaking strength over traditional agility. By leveraging the new six-man bench rule, the Blues are attempting to mitigate the risk of using an inexperienced 21-year-old in a specialist position, as they now have more options to adjust their lineup mid-game if the experiment fails.
