Source :- THE AGE NEWS
It did not escape Canberra coach Ricky Stuart that two of his players were the first to leap to Tolu Koula’s defence when the Origin debutant was flattened by Kalyn Ponga in Wednesday night’s series opener.
Ethan Strange and Hudson Young were the closest to Koula when he was hit high in the 57th minute, but they also made it known they were not happy with the illegal tackle by roughing up the Queenslanders.
Ponga was sent off for the high hit and NSW roared home to win 22-20.
“I loved seeing that moment,” Stuart said. “It’s in their DNA – that’s why they are such a big part of our team, because they care for their mates.
“I was so proud of the boys and for their families. They made a huge contribution to that win. They did the Raiders proud.
“I always knew Ethan would perform well. I wouldn’t have said what I did last year [about him playing for NSW] if I didn’t believe in him.
“I also loved the way Hudson played. I can see how much confidence he has in his game now he is starting [for NSW].”
The 21-year-old Strange was outstanding in his debut for NSW after being parachuted into the starting team for the injured Mitchell Moses.
NSW coach Laurie Daley will have a difficult decision to make about who wears the No.6 for game two in Melbourne should Moses overcome a hamstring injury.
Daley will take no risks if Moses is not 100 per cent fit, having learnt last year not to select players carrying injuries who require modified training programs. Payne Haas and Brian To’o battled on with injuries in 2025, but Daley felt the circus that surrounded them had been a distraction.
Strange and Young will back up for the Raiders on Sunday at home to North Queensland.
Stuart steered clear of getting involved in the five-eighth debate, but praised Moses and Nathan Cleary for helping Strange improve his game on last year’s Ashes tour to England.
“I respect how Nathan and Mitchell took Ethan under their wing on the Roos tour, and for giving him great advice and coaching,” Stuart said.
“That’s why I love players playing rep footy, because they return better players.
“‘Strangey’ is a such a competitive footballer, and he takes losses and not playing well very hard. I love that. That’s something I value in his make-up as a person. I know how much he cares.
“Even if the Blues lost, there was no way Ethan was going to be affected if they chewed him up and spat him out. If anything, it would have motivated him more to play well.”
Young was a powerhouse on the left edge, and was kept busy on both sides of the ball. He came off the bench for all three games last year, was dropped during the 2023 and 2024 series, but is now among the first players picked for the Blues.
