Daley sends Strange to bench in Game 2 State Of Origin
Laurie Daley has pushed Ethan Strange into a bench role for state of origin Game 2, with the Blues coach saying the New South Wales playmaker will probably play in the back row. Mitchell Moses looks set to reclaim his spot for Wednesday after the hamstring injury that opened the door in Sydney.
Daley on Strange
Daley laid out the plan at Tuesday’s official press conference before Game 2. He said Strange would get a chance to use his carrying game, describing him as a runner who is dangerous with the footy. “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,” Daley said.
“So, yeah, he will get an opportunity at some point and just to carry the football, play to his strengths,” he said. “And if he does that, I’ll be really happy.’’
Moses returns for Sydney
Strange had been lifted into the starting side after Moses suffered a hamstring injury in the series opener in Sydney. That late change gave the New South Wales playmaker a starting job straight away, and he handled the pressure well enough to stay in the frame for another selection decision this week.
Daley also told Triple M that Strange would likely “play in the middle,” adding another layer to the role shift for Game II. The move points to a bench plan built around his running threat rather than a full-time starting assignment, with Moses now back in line to take over the half duties.
Blues backline reshuffle
The Blues’ changes go beyond Strange. Casey McLean was omitted because of injury after he had been named to start at centre in place of the injured Stephen Crichton, and Tolu Koula has moved into centre to cover that vacancy. Mark Nawaqanitawase will make his Origin debut on the wing.
Brian To’o also remains part of the selection story after struggling in the opener and making multiple handling errors. For New South Wales, the reshuffle leaves Daley with one clear task at Game 2: fit Moses back in, use Strange off the bench, and settle a backline that already needed a second adjustment before Wednesday.
