Ethan Strange not playing? Injury, father John, ADHD story

Ethan Strange rolled his ankle during NSW Origin camp training, putting his State of Origin decider spot in serious doubt. The 20-year-old Canberra Raiders five-eighth’s story also involves a family legacy through NSW rugby league and a personal detail that sets him apart from many in the NRL.

Born: 16 August 2004 ·
Position: Five-eighth / Centre ·
Club: Canberra Raiders ·
NRL Debut: 2024 ·
Instagram Followers: 26K

Five key facts about Ethan Strange at a glance:

Why is Ethan Strange not playing?

Training mishap

Ethan Strange rolled his ankle during New South Wales training on the Gold Coast on Thursday, putting his participation in the State of Origin decider in serious doubt. The injury happened in a non-contact drill, according to Yahoo News Australia (tier 2 news outlet). Strange was seen watching the remainder of the session from the sidelines.

State of Origin decider doubt

NSW officials initially remained confident that Strange would recover in time for Origin III, scheduled for Wednesday in Brisbane. Yahoo News Australia reported that Blues hooker Blayke Brailey said Strange was moving well and the medical staff believed he would be okay. However, as a precaution, Matt Burton was placed on standby to join the squad.

Who is Ethan Strange’s father?

John Strange

John Strange is Ethan’s father and a well‑known figure in rugby league. He is the head coach of the NSW Women’s State of Origin team and previously worked as a FIFO (fly‑in, fly‑out) worker on the Gold Coast. In a deeply emotional moment, John flew to Sydney to watch his son’s Origin debut. Speaking to NRL.com (the official league body), John said he was tearing up watching Ethan run out in the NSW jersey.

Family background

Before Origin I, John sent Ethan a private message: he looked up to him as a person and for what he does. The message was revealed after the game. Both father and son were photographed together in the sheds after a Raiders match, confirming the close bond. Ethan’s rise from the Central Coast to the NRL has been guided by his father’s experience in the sport.

Is Ethan Strange related to Jasmin Strange?

Jasmin Strange’s father

Jasmin Strange is a New Zealand rugby league player for the Newcastle Knights. Her father was Gerard Stokes, a former New Zealand Warriors player who passed away in 2021. The surname “Strange” is shared, but the family trees do not intersect.

Possible relationship

Despite the common surname and both being professional rugby league players, there is no confirmed familial relationship between Ethan Strange and Jasmin Strange. Wikipedia notes for Ethan make no mention of Jasmin, and Jasmin’s biographical coverage lists her father as Gerard Stokes, not John Strange. The two are not known to be related.

Which NRL player has ADHD?

Ethan Strange and ADHD

Ethan Strange has publicly discussed living with attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In interviews, he has spoken about how the condition affects his training and game preparation. A SportTelegraph Facebook post highlighted his openness about the diagnosis. Strange is one of a growing number of NRL players to speak candidly about neurodiversity.

What they’re saying

“I was tearing up watching him run out in the NSW jersey.”

— John Strange, father and NSW Women’s Origin coach, in an NRL.com interview

“He was moving well and the medical staff were confident he would be okay.”

— Blayke Brailey, NSW hooker, speaking to Yahoo News Australia

“I look up to him as a person and for what he does.”

— John Strange’s message to Ethan before Origin I, revealed on NRL.com

For Ethan Strange, the choice is clear: recover fully for the decider and cement his place, or risk missing the biggest game of his young career. The alternative—watching from the sidelines—is something no Origin rookie wants.

Frequently asked questions

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