NSW coach Laurie Daley has expressed faith in 21-year-old Ethan Strange after the rookie was elevated into the starting side on the eve of Wednesday's State of Origin opener.
Strange was shifted into the five-eighth role after Parramatta skipper Mitchell Moses pulled up with a minor hamstring issue at training, with the club confirming Moses would not play on Tuesday.
The late reshuffle also saw Matt Burton added to the squad as a bench utility for Game One at Accor Stadium.
Thrust into a huge spotlight, the Canberra playmaker faces the pressure of debuting at Origin level.
Daley, however, has no reservations about Strange's temperament or capability to perform under intense scrutiny.
Captain Isaah Yeo, who led a recent tour, has tracked the youngster's progress and believes he is ready for the occasion.
The Blues will look to Strange to make an impact in front of the expected 80,000 fans at Accor on Wednesday night.