The footy world has hailed Blues star Ethan Strange after he produced an “unbelievable” performance on his State of Origin debut.
NSW came from 20-6 behind at halftime to claim a famous 22-20 comeback win in Sydney on Wednesday night after Kalyn Ponga was controversially sent off.
Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary was officially named Man of the Match, but it was Strange, 21, who was only called into the starting team 48 hours ago following Mitchell Moses’ injury, who caught the eye of most viewers.
Watch Strange reflect on his Origin debut via the video player below
Reacting after fulltime, Blues legend Andrew “Joey” Johns said: “The debut of Ethan Strange, he was a powerhouse.
“I thought he sparked them down this left side, his running game he was unbelievable on debut, you’re looking at someone who’s going to be playing hopefully 30 Origin games, he’s just made for Origin, he was devastating.”
Queensland icon Cam Smith also hailed Strange, who scored a try in the 63rd minute, saying: “He was the best player for the NSW Blues tonight.
“I’m with you (Joey), I think he was the best player on the field, he was the most dangerous ball runner for the Blues the entire night, it’s a wonderful debut considering only 48 hours ago he was thrust into that position.”
Teammate Cleary said: “Strangey on debut was unbelievable, he’s just an absolute beast, so proud to take the field with him.”
Journalist Lachlan Jeffery reacted: “I’ve seen enough. Make Ethan Strange a permanent inclusion in the Blues team and make his dad the coach.”
Murray Conallin added: “Gees Ethan Strange has been great in debut, he and Hudson and been massive.”
League Freak said: “Like what I saw with Cleary and Strange when they combined.
“For some reason NSW coaches have wanted the halves to be complete strangers on the field for the past 20 years!”
Adam reacted: “Klein has just completely flipped the momentum of this game, crazy stuff. Ethan Strange has been mint though.”
Strange said: “It means a lot, I grew up watching the Blues, always had a skip in my step when I went to school the next day (after an Origin win).”
