Rugby League

Moses in doubt for opener as NSW turn to Origin rookie

May 25, 2026

Ethan Strange. — Canberra's Ethan Strange is on the cusp of an Origin debut after bad news for Mitch Moses. -AAP Image

Mitchell Moses is in doubt for the State of Origin opener with the NSW playmaker struggling with a hamstring issue that paves the way for a potential debut for Ethan Strange.

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Five-eighth Moses trained with the Blues in Gosford on Monday but will be sent for scans by NSW staff after complaining of tightness.

Laurie Daley's men relocated to Sydney on Monday after completing an opposed session against Newcastle's NSW Cup team on the Central Coast.

The anticipated absence of Moses has led to NSW rushing Canterbury five-eighth Matt Burton into camp ahead of Wednesday night's game at Sydney's Accor Stadium.

"The NSW Blues, subject to ARLC (Australian Rugby League Commission) approval, will call Matt Burton into the 20-player squad as standby for five-eighth Mitchell Moses, who pulled up with hamstring tightness at the end of training at Polytec Stadium in Gosford," the Blues said in a statement on Monday afternoon.

"Moses completed the team session but felt tightness as part of extra activities post the team session and will undergo scans tomorrow to determine the extent of the injury.

"Subject to ARLC approval, Burton will join camp this evening, and train with the team in their final session tomorrow ahead of game one."

Canberra youngster Strange, who was initially named on the Blues interchange, is likely to take the No.6 jersey alongside halfback Nathan Cleary.

Strange, 21, has yet to play Origin but was part of the Kangaroos tour to England over the off-season.

Legendary former Blues coach Phil Gould and NSW great Andrew Johns have praised Strange's form over the last 18 months, including his key role in Canberra's run to last year's minor premiership.

Strange has 19 tries in 55 NRL games and played for NSW in the 2023 U19s State of Origin game, where he scored a hat-trick.

If Moses is ruled out, Canberra five-eighth Strange will likely come face to face with another Origin rookie in Queensland's Sam Walker, who has been pinpointed as a key threat by NSW players.

"I feel like the game now is suited for players like that and Walker's attack has been really good for the Roosters," Blues centre Stephen Crichton said in Gosford on Monday.

"I'm sure that he's going to be attacking the game on Wednesday night as well and we have to be on our best to kill that."