Ethan Strange has been ruled out of Canberra's NRL semifinal against Cronulla in a big blow to the minor premiers' hopes of avoiding a devastating straight-sets exit.

In the midst of a breakout season, the gun five-eighth took ill overnight and will be replaced in the halves by utility Simi Sasagi.

Sasagi has enjoyed a great year in his own right, but has never started a first-grade game in the halves before, though he has played a handful of NSW Cup games there.

English recruit Matty Nicholson will join the bench to replace Sasagi, with Danny Levi promoted to 18th man. Loading Twitter content

Strange has been vital to the Raiders' rise into heavyweight status this season, becoming prized for his fantastic running game and ability to find the tryline.

He appears the favourite to w

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