Canberra Raiders News

NSW confident in Ethan Strange's ankle; he's cleared to play in State of Origin decider.

Canberra Daily

NSW are "very confident" in Ethan Strange's troublesome ankle after clearing the Canberra playmaker to feature in the State of Origin decider.

The Blues had set Monday as D-Day for Strange, who has been fighting to prove his fitness since rolling his left ankle at training on Thursday.

Strange, excellent on debut in the series opener, had undergone extensive treatment and been walking unassisted in NSW camp in recent days.

He managed to run at training at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane on Monday, staying late to complete extra contact work and running drills. 

The Blues had initially been pessimistic about Strange's hopes of playing the decider. The 21-year-old had rolled the same ankle against Wests Tigers in...

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Ethan Strange must prove his fitness Monday for the Origin decider after rolling his ankle; Matt Burton is on standby.

Fox League

Today is crucial for Blues star Ethan Strange, who will have to prove his fitness for the Origin decider after rolling his ankle at training last week.

Currently under an injury cloud, Strange is set to be given every chance by NSW officials to be available for Wednesday night's match.

However, CODE Sports understands that the Canberra Raiders star will be ruled out of Game III unless he is able to prove his fitness on Monday morning at a training session in Brisbane.

The decision from the Blues to give him until Monday to prove his availability comes after he spent an hour inside the state's team room on Sunday, where he met with team doctor Nathan Gibbs, Head of Performance Travis Touma and physio Eddie Farah.

Previously seen in a moon boot, if Strange is unable to get through the session, he will be replaced in the 19-man squad by Matt Burton, who remains in camp as coverage.

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