Daley dilemma could prompt NSW to go back to the future

Updated May 26, 2026 — 2:35pm,first published May 26, 2026 — 6:40am

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Blues coach Laurie Daley would never say as much, but in turning to Ethan Strange in his time of need, he’s just selected the player who most resembles himself.

The similarities during their respective playing careers are obvious; they made the Raiders No.6 jersey their own, can run their team but prefer to run through the opposing one, and compete on every play like their lives depend on it. However, the NSW coach is too humble and shrewd to saddle a debutant trying to make his name in the interstate arena when asked about the similitude.

“Oh, no,” Daley said. “All I see is a kid that loves his footy and you’ve just got to compete, and that’s what he does well.

“And he’ll compete [Wednesday] night, and those types of players, I think, are really suited to Origin. Because there’s not much difference between the teams, but it’s the bloke that will compete for longer, works harder, and continually challenges you, they’re the ones that I find that have success at this level.”

Strange’s place in the........

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