Why NSW moved Penitani Gray for Origin opener
NSW forge into their Strange era in Brisbane on Thursday night, fighting to bounce back from a 2024 series defeat that looked highly improbable after a comfortable game-one win.
Sydney Roosters coach Strange has named four debutants, axed incumbent halfback Rach Pearson and cut Kezie Apps from the captaincy for his first game in charge.
But no selection call surprised more than the decision to move Cronulla outside back Penitani Gray to five-eighth, a position she has never played at either NRLW or Origin level.
Strange has named two-time Origin representative Kirra Dibb, a half by trade, on his extended bench after she had appeared the most logical option to partner halfback Jesse Southwell.
But the coach is confident in his call to shift new vice-captain Penitani Gray following an NRLW season that ended with selection at centre in the Dally M Team of the Year.
"She could be footballer of the year. Tiana is a footballer," Strange said when asked to justify the call to move Penitani Gray from the outside backs.
"I know she has played predominantly in the centres. She played a bit of fullback in her early days.
"She can pass both ways really well. She is a great runner, and she understands the game."
In the men's game, Brad Fittler, Jamie Lyon and Greg Inglis are among the storied players to have lined up in both the centres and at five-eighth during their premiership-winning careers.
Strange tried Penitani Gray in different roles during NSW's six-week training camp before determining the No.6 jersey would give her the best chance of staying involved in the game.
"For me it is about getting Tiana more footy," he said.
"While she has the six on her back I still want her to think about the running game as well, which is obviously very strong."
Last year's inaugural three-match series has not been a point of discussion since NSW touched down to continue preparations in Queensland on Saturday.
But for the 10 players that kept their spot for 2025, the pain is still there.
"It was hard," said captain Isabelle Kelly.
"Obviously we haven't reflected on that too much this year which has been really good because it's a new year, new coach, a lot of new players, new-look team."
The bookmakers have installed NSW as slight favourites for the series opener but Strange would not be drawn on his side's chances of a first-up win behind enemy lines.
"Who is the favourite? I don't know," he said.
"They are all quality players, the 17 we have named and 17 they have named, they're all at the top of the game."
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