LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Ricky Stuart has drawn parallels between young five-eighth Ethan Strange and Canberra Raiders icon Laurie Daley after Strange's impressive hat-trick against the Manly Sea Eagles on Friday night. Meanwhile, forward Corey Horsburgh faces scrutiny from the match review committee.
In just his third NRL season, Strange has developed a strong synergy with Jamal Fogarty in the halves, propelling the Raiders to the top of the NRL standings and showcasing one of the league's top running games for a playmaker.
As the NRL Finals series approaches, the Green Machine stands out as a leading contender for the premiership, with Strange receiving significant accolades from his coach.
Stuart not only likened him to rugby league great Laurie Daley but also expressed confidence in Strange's future at the national level. He believes the young star will represent Australia later this year and ultimately become the future five-eighth for the NSW Blues.
"I love him as a young bloke, you would too if you coached him," Stuart remarked on Channel Nine.
"Personally, I think he will play for Australia this year and I think he will play Origin over the next year or two. He will be the next NSW five-eighth."