NSW interchange half Ethan Strange has been cleared to play in Origin III after overcoming an ankle injury.
The Canberra star was rated only 50-50 as recently as Saturday but passed a fitness test at rugby union citadel Ballymore, meaning standby Matt Burton was released from camp.
He returned to Sydney to train with his club Canterbury, telling reporters:“I knew what the plan was for them: they just told me I was just coming up here as a back-up.
“Strangey trained well, and he’s ready to go.
“He’s a dangerous runner of the ball. Everyone knows that. Obviously, his defence stands out as well. He should go well.
“I was just here to fill in and help the boys prepare as best as I could. Hopefully, I did that
“Any time I get the call to come in here, whether’s it’s a back-up or 18th man, I’ll definitely put my hand up. I love just coming in here and representing NSW.”
Strange is part of a six-man bench. The Blues complete their preparations with a captain’s run at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow.
Queensland are overwhelming favourites going into the sold-out Suncorp Stadium decider.
The match will be broadcast live on rugbyleague.com with Jason Costigan calling the action.
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