Ethan Strange has been cleared to play in Origin III after completing a gruelling physical session on Monday at Brisbane’s Ballymore against Queensland Cup side Wynnum Manly.
The back-up playmaker was on Saturday rated just a “50-50” hope of playing in the crucial series decider after rolling his left ankle last week.
But having maintained the setback was not serious enough to jeopardise his participation, not only did the 21-year-old come through the hit-out unscathed, he then completed a series of drills for good measure.
The Blues had to make a call either way because Matt Burton, who was on stand-by for Strange, needed to return to Sydney to resume training with the Bulldogs ahead of their own clash against the Raiders this weekend.
Burton was only too happy to answer the Blues’ SOS, and said before he hopped in a taxi for the airport: “I knew what the plan was for them, they just told me I was just coming up here as a back-up. ‘Strangey’ trained well, and he’s ready to go.
“He’s a dangerous runner of the ball. Everyone knows that. Obviously, his defence stands out as well. He should go well. I was just here to fill in and help the boys prepare as best as I could. Hopefully, I did that.
“Any time I get the call to come in here, whether’s it’s a back-up or 18th man, I’ll definitely put my hand up. I love just coming in here and representing NSW.”
Strange rolled his ankle on Thursday at Cbus Super Stadium, and later revealed he had injured the same ankle earlier this season playing for the Raiders.
NSW football manager Frank Ponissi said Strange’s assurances he would be fit helped put their own minds at ease.
“It’s great news, especially where he was a couple of days ago – he was more unlikely than likely to play,” Ponissi said.
“He’s been confident all along. The medical team have done a wonderful job. We saw what he could do in game one, so to have him available on the bench [Wednesday night] is a big asset for the team.
“He’s obviously relieved to get through this morning. He got through the whole session, plus he did some extras at the end, and some contact work with a few of the Wynnum players. He ticked every box. His confidence the last few days has made us confident as well.”
Ponissi praised Burton, who did not hesitate to race to the Blues’ camp when called upon just to help the team prepare.
“I couldn’t speak more highly of him, and what he has brought to this group the last few days, on and off the field, he fits in really well, he knows the boys well,” Ponissi said.
“Obviously we wanted Ethan to play, but knowing we had a player like ‘Burto’ available made it a bit easier.”
Strange is unlikely to play a major role unless Nathan Cleary or Mitchell Moses suffers an injury, but the Blues can take comfort knowing that their back-up playmaker is good to go.
Strange was one of the Blues’ best in game one when starting in the halves following a hamstring injury suffered by Moses just 48 hours before kick-off. He can cover several positions if required in the decider.
The Blues will complete their captain’s run at Suncorp Stadium on Tuesday before turning their sights to taking out the series on enemy soil.
The Queensland capital is buzzing with rugby league and union fans, given the Wallabies play France in a Nations Championship Test on Saturday, also at Suncorp Stadium.
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