By Joel Gould

Canberra five-eighth Ethan Strange was sunning himself for a rare occasion in one of the world’s hot tourist destinations when Australia coach Kevin Walters rang with a promise.

An injury to Mitchell Moses in the opening World Cup clash with New Zealand meant Walters needed another playmaker.And being the loyal mentor he is, Walters went straight to Strange who was blooded on the Ashes tour last year and shown his team-first mentality despite not getting a match.

Now the Raiders star will debut for the Kangaroos in Townsville on Saturday night against the Cook Islands in the vital No.14 jersey.

“I was in Bang Tao, Phuket with my partner Milayna and we were having a nice little holiday,” Strange said after training in Townsville on Wednesday.

“We’d booked it there because my partner is from the Central Coast like me and had been working in Canberra all year in the cold.

“I thought I’d have a nice holiday before I went back to pre-season and got a nice surprise when I got the phone call.”

Walters said to him that he would get to play for the Kangaroos if he left his holiday escape and the coach has delivered on his word.

“I’m only 22 years old and when he told me I would get a debut for Australia it was pretty special,” Strange said.

He caught an overnight flight and was straight into camp ahead of the clash with Fiji in Brisbane, although he did not play in the 36-22 win.

Strange has eligibility for New Zealand and England, as well as Australia, but did not follow the path of his sister Jasmin, who made herself available for England this World Cup before rupturing an ACL at training.

“I was born and raised here as a Central Coast kid. I love the country and it is dear to my heart so it was Australia or nothing,” he said.

Strange was sensational for NSW on his State of Origin debut, where he was a late call-up from the bench into the Blues starting team for the 22-20 comeback win over Queensland in Sydney in game one of the series, after Moses was a late withdrawal.

“That really prepared me because it was the first time I had been (named) on the bench in a while,” he said.

“You’ve got to be prepared to play anywhere and wherever the opportunity comes I will just go out and play footy.”

With the Sydney Roosters pulling their extension offer to half Sam Walker beyond 2027 there have been reports linking Strange, on contract at the Raiders until 2028, to an early move to the Tricolours.

His father John Strange coaches the Roosters’ NRLW side and his sister Jasmin plays for them, but Ethan was quick to shut that down.

“I am with the Raiders under Ricky (Stuart) so I have no idea what that (story) is on about,” he said.

“Ricky looks after me as a person and tries to keep me mentally fresh. He is a great man and I have a really good relationship with him.”

Canberra also pulled their contract extension to back-rower Hudson Young beyond 2027, who is now in prime position to sign with the PNG Chiefs

“He is my mate and he has to look after himself and his family. Football is such a short time in your life,” Strange said.

“He is going to be my mate whatever happens. I just want him to be happy.”

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