The Sydney Roosters' decision to let Ethan Strange leave for the Canberra Raiders in 2022 has sparked curiosity and debate. Strange, a standout five-eighth, had a remarkable debut for NSW in Origin I, catching the attention of the rugby league world. His talent was evident from his time in the Roosters' junior system, where he was a standout player. However, the Roosters' decision to let him go has raised questions about their recruitment strategy. Personally, I think the Roosters' focus on keeping their own players, like Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker, may have clouded their judgment. What makes this particularly fascinating is the role of Ricky Stuart, who was able to convince Strange to join the Raiders. In my opinion, Stuart's ability to connect with young players and his plan for their development may have been a significant factor in Strange's decision. From my perspective, the Roosters' loss is the Raiders' gain. One thing that immediately stands out is the impact of family connections and personal relationships in player recruitment. John Strange, Ethan's father, played a crucial role in his son's decision to join the Raiders. What many people don't realize is that the Roosters' focus on keeping their own players may have led them to overlook the importance of these personal connections. If you take a step back and think about it, the Roosters' decision to let Strange go raises a deeper question about the role of personal relationships in player recruitment. A detail that I find especially interesting is the impact of coaches and recruiters on player decisions. Peter Mulholland, the late great coach and recruiter, played a significant role in Strange's decision to join the Raiders. What this really suggests is that the Roosters' decision to let Strange go may have been a mistake, as he has since become a standout player for the Raiders. Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how Strange's performance with the Raiders develops and whether he will continue to be a key player for the team. In the meantime, the Roosters will have to reflect on their decision and consider the broader implications for their recruitment strategy.
