Canberra Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange has firmly denied rumors linking him to a potential move to the Sydney Roosters, reaffirming his commitment to the Raiders until at least the end of the 2028 season. The 22-year-old made his Australian Kangaroos debut on October 31, 2026, against the Cook Islands in the Rugby League World Cup.
Key Facts
- Ethan Strange is contracted with the Canberra Raiders until the end of the 2028 NRL season.
- He dismissed rumors of a switch to the Sydney Roosters, stating he is “loving it with Ricky [Stuart]” at the Raiders.
- Strange made his State of Origin debut for New South Wales in Game 1, 2026, scoring a try in their 22-20 victory.
- He debuted for the Australian Kangaroos on October 31, 2026, in a Rugby League World Cup match against the Cook Islands.
- Strange was named Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year in 2025 and was the Raiders’ top try-scorer with 14 tries.
Why are there rumors about Ethan Strange joining the Sydney Roosters?
Rumors about Ethan Strange potentially joining the Sydney Roosters emerged after the Tri-colors withdrew a contract extension offer for their current halfback, Sam Walker, on October 28, 2026, making his future with the club uncertain. Strange’s name was mentioned due to his history in the Roosters’ pathways program and his family’s current ties to the club; his father, John Strange, coaches the NRLW team, and his sister plays in the second row for the Roosters, according to Zero Tackle. However, Strange himself has stated these rumors are “all news to him” and that he has “no idea what that story is on about,” as reported by Sporting News.
What is Ethan Strange’s current contract status with the Canberra Raiders?
Ethan Strange is under contract with the Canberra Raiders until the end of the 2028 National Rugby League (NRL) season. He extended his contract with the Raiders in April 2024, securing his position with the club for several more years, according to the NRL’s official profile. Strange has expressed his satisfaction with his current club, telling media in Townsville, “I’m with the Raiders and I’m loving it with Ricky [Stuart], so I honestly have no idea what that’s all about,” as cited by Zero Tackle.
When did Ethan Strange make his Kangaroos debut?
Ethan Strange made his debut for the Australian Kangaroos on Saturday, October 31, 2026. He was named on the bench for Australia’s Week 3 Rugby League World Cup clash against the Cook Islands in Townsville, Queensland, according to Sporting News and Zero Tackle. Strange was “parachuted into camp” after an injury to Mitchell Moses, interrupting a holiday in Phuket with his partner. He received a call from coach Kevin Walters, who promised him a Test debut if he returned, a prospect Strange described as “really special” for a 22-year-old, as reported by Zero Tackle.
| Milestone | Date / Season | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NRL Debut | Round 24, 2023 | As centre for Canberra Raiders against Melbourne Storm |
| Contract Extension | April 2024 | Extended with Canberra Raiders until end of 2028 |
| Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year | 2025 Season | Awarded for performance with Canberra Raiders |
| Prime Minister’s XIII Debut | October 12, 2025 | Played for Australia against PNG Prime Minister’s XIII |
| State of Origin Debut | Game 1, 2026 | Scored a try for New South Wales in 22-20 win |
| Kangaroos International Debut | October 31, 2026 | Played for Australia in Rugby League World Cup against Cook Islands |
What has been Ethan Strange’s career progression in rugby league?
Ethan Strange’s career in rugby league has seen a rapid rise through the ranks since his junior days. Born on August 16, 2004, in Gosford, New South Wales, Strange played junior rugby league for The Entrance Tigers, primarily as a five-eighth, according to Wikipedia. He progressed through the Central Coast Roosters Harold Matthews team in 2020 and 2021 before joining the Sydney Roosters’ SG Ball team in 2022. Later in 2022, he moved to Canberra to play for the Raiders’ Jersey Flegg team.
In July 2023, Strange was selected for the Under 19s Men’s State of Origin for NSWRL, where he scored a hat-trick as a centre and was named Player of the Match. His NRL debut came in Round 24 of the 2023 season with the Canberra Raiders. The 2024 season saw him secure the five-eighth jersey for the Raiders’ opening round, scoring his first career try in Round 2 against the Wests Tigers. He played 21 games for Canberra that season, and in April 2024, extended his contract until the end of 2028, as detailed on Wikipedia.
Strange’s 2025 season was a breakout year. He won the Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year award and became the Raiders’ top try-scorer with 14 tries, contributing significantly to their Minor Premiership success, according to his NRL.com profile. He also made his debut for the Prime Minister’s XIII on October 12, 2025, in a match against Papua New Guinea. The 2026 season saw him make his State of Origin debut for New South Wales in Game 1, scoring a try in their 22-20 victory against Queensland. He played 21 matches for Canberra in the 2026 NRL season.
What did Ethan Strange say about his relationship with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart?
Ethan Strange has spoken positively about his relationship with Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart. He told AAP that Stuart “looks after me as a person and tries to keep me mentally fresh” and described him as “a great man,” according to Sporting News. This strong bond further solidifies Strange’s commitment to the Raiders amidst transfer rumors.
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FAQ
Is Ethan Strange leaving the Canberra Raiders?
No, Ethan Strange is not leaving the Canberra Raiders. He is contracted with the club until the end of the 2028 NRL season and has publicly denied any rumors of a move to the Sydney Roosters, stating he is happy at Canberra.
What position does Ethan Strange play?
Ethan Strange primarily plays as a five-eighth or centre for the Canberra Raiders. He has also played full-back in his junior career and debuted as a centre in the NRL.
When was Ethan Strange born?
Ethan Strange was born on August 16, 2004, in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia. He is currently 22 years old as of October 31, 2026.
Has Ethan Strange played State of Origin?
Yes, Ethan Strange made his State of Origin debut for New South Wales in Game 1 of the 2026 series. He scored a try in their 22-20 victory over Queensland.
Sources: Sporting News – Zero Tackle – Wikipedia – NRL.comUpdated: October 31, 2026.
