NSW hero’s call on future after historic Origin feat
George Clarke |
The NSW women’s State of Origin side is on the hunt for a new coach after the mastermind behind the Blues’ revival, John Strange, stepped down.
Prior to Strange’s appointment as Blues coach in 2025, NSW had won only one of the previous five series.
But Strange ends his two-year Blues’ tenure on a high having overseen two series wins, including the first whitewash in a three-game women’s series earlier this year.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved, but even prouder of the players and staff that make this group so special,” Strange said.
“I will take away some fantastic memories and relationships that will last a lifetime.”
The 51-year-old has juggled the Blues role – where he won five of six Origin games – with his club commitments with the Sydney Roosters’ premiership-winning NRLW side.
“John changed the trajectory of our women’s State of Origin program,” NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said.
“He instilled a winning culture amongst the NSW women’s group.
“Across his tenure, he recorded five wins and only one tight loss. That is a testament to John’s professionalism, standards and passion for the representative scene.
“Behind the scenes, he has been a long-term pioneer of the women’s game and although we are sorry to see him go, we will forever be thankful for the lasting legacy he has left.”
The NSWRL is set to start a process to find a replacement ahead of March, when the Blues will hold a training camp in the lead-up to their series opener in Newcastle on April 30.
AAP