'Fingers crossed she's injured': NSW coach John Strange delivers savage sledge towards Roosters, Maroons star
Updated . First published at
John Strange has been officially unveiled as the NSW Sky Blues coach and he hasn't wasted any time becoming embroiled in the State of Origin rivalry.
After the decision from Kylie Hilder to step down following a tough series loss, Strange will take over the role for next year's women's series.
The 49-year-old led the Sydney Roosters to the NRLW premiership this year and has an extensive resume as a coach in the women's game.
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"I am very grateful and excited to be appointed," he said.
John Strange will take over the NSW head coaching role. Getty
"I am a lifelong Blues tragic and it is an incredible honour.
"I look forward to working with the talented players available for selection with the aim of building an invincible Blues force for the 2025 season."
Strange also confirmed he would remain in his role as Roosters coach.
"Obviously with the NRLW, it's a shortened season still and the girls Origin series is all played out before round one," he said.
"It's gonna work out really well, but there's a slight two-week overlap from Origin III - but I've got awesome staff there at the Roosters.
"I'm totally confident … those couple of weeks I'm away, I have total confidence."
Strange didn't miss the chance to take a little swipe at Maroons superstar Tarryn Aiken, who has worked closely with Strange during their time together at Bondi.
The new coach admitted it will be tough to coach against the five-eighth.
Roosters players celebrate during the NRLW grand final. Getty
"Probably difficult in a way, if I'm being totally honest," Strange said.
"I'm really close with Tarryn - we talk a lot, she's a real footy nerd and we sit down and do video and pull teams apart, so that is going to be a challenge. I've coached against my daughter when she was at the Knights and that was a bit of a challenge as well.
"We've only got one player in that [Maroons] squad - fingers crossed she's injured," he added tongue firmly in cheek.
Ruan Sims will remain in her role as Sky Blues assistant coach.
Queensland won the first three-game series between the two sides in 2024 and have been in possession of the Origin shield in four of the past five years.
The announcement was made in tandem with Laurie Daley signing on for a second stint in charge of the men's NSW team as the state ushers in a new era.
