Huge Blues boost as Strange given verdict on injury scare
Frank Ponissi praised the NSW team medical team for working to get Ethan Strange fit to play in State of Origin III, revealing that a couple of days ago it looked as though the young star could be ruled out of the series decider.
It was revealed on Monday morning that Strange had been passed fit to represent NSW, despite being seen in a moon boot less than a week out from the game.
Matt Burton will leave camp after spending several days acting as cover for the Raiders ace, with Strange now confirmed to keep his place on the bench.
Matt Burton in the NSW camp ahead of game one. Getty
Strange completed a tough training session with the team on Monday and remained behind to do extras.
Ponissi was elated to learn that Strange would be available to play at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday evening.
“It is great news, especially after where he was at a couple of days ago,” Ponissi, NSW’s team performance manager, told reporters including 9News.
“He was more unlikely than likely to play (a couple of days ago). The medical team have done a wonderful job ... to have him available is a big asset for the team.”
The twist two days out from kick-off comes after 9News’ exclusive vision on Thursday night of Strange hobbling wearing a moon boot.
On Friday, he was seen walking without the moon boot and told 9News his desire to be named in the game day team was stronger than ever.
“I’m feeling a lot better this morning,” Strange said.
“I am very desperate to play, so I think I should be right.”
The Bulldogs’ round 18 bye allowed Burton to join the NSW squad on Friday, having received the call-up while holidaying on the Gold Coast with his family.
Burton flew his family home to Sydney after receiving the call before returning to the Gold Coast in time for Saturday’s training session.
It was the second time in the series Burton had been called into camp, after he joined the game one squad when five-eighth Mitchell Moses began to experience hamstring tightness.
Burton joined Canterbury teammate Lachie Galvin in the NSW camp.
Blues officials called the high-profile young gun and Roosters rising star Hugo Savala into camp, eager to give them a taste of the Origin environment.
Strange starred in the series opener at five-eighth but was relegated to the bench for game two, making way for Moses.
NSW stars Blayke Brailey (left) and Ethan Strange in camp in Kingscliff ahead of the decider. Getty
Speaking on Wide World of Sports’ QLDER prior to Strange’s ankle sprain, Maroons great Darius Boyd was left stunned that the Raiders star had again been overlooked for a starting role.
“He might not get on for game three and that’s just mind-blowing,” Boyd said.
“Again, that’s their problem. Hopefully they keep making those same mistakes.”
NSW won game one 22-20 in Sydney before Queensland hit back with a 44-24 victory in game two at the MCG.
