NSW swaps Moses for debutant Ethan Strange

New South Wales has been forced into a late change for the opening State of Origin match after playmaker Mitchell Moses was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Canberra five-eighth Ethan Strange will make his debut, starting in the halves alongside Nathan Cleary for Wednesday night's game against Queensland at Sydney's Accor Stadium.

Moses sustained the strain while doing extra work at the conclusion of Monday's training session in Gosford. Scans confirmed the injury, leading to his withdrawal just 48 hours before the series opener. Blues coach Laurie Daley confirmed the change on Tuesday, describing the injury as minor but too risky to manage in the short timeframe.

"It's disappointing for Mitch, he's a big part of the team," Daley said. "I think we're a bit older and wiser, knowing now that when you bring big groups of people in together, they've got to be ready to go at any stage. Ethan's trained with us all week, so there's no issue there."

Daley expressed confidence that Moses' absence would not be long-term, suggesting the Parramatta captain might even be available for his club's match against Newcastle this weekend. "It's not a major tear at all," Daley said. "It's very...