Ethan Strange has been ruled out of Canberra’s NRL semi-final 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.

The club issued a short statement on Saturday morning.

“Canberra Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange has been ruled out of tonight’s match against the Sharks,” the raiders said.

“Strange has fallen ill overnight and will unable to take his place on the field this evening.

“Simi Sasagi will come into the starting team to replace Strange, with Matty Nicholson coming onto the bench.”

Sasagi has enjoyed a great year in his own right but has never started a first-grade game in the halves befor

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