Laurie Daley faced intense scrutiny regarding his future as coach of the NSW Blues after their defeat in the recent State of Origin decider, concluding the series with a disappointing 24-12 loss. This latest setback marks a concerning record for Daley, who has only secured one series victory from six attempts since taking over the coaching role under unconventional circumstances last year.
Following the game, Daley brushed off questions about whether he should continue in his role, challenging a journalist about their origins instead. Despite the loss, he remains confident in his ability to lead the team into next year’s series, asserting, “What we’ve been building is a successful team.” He acknowledged that while he felt disappointed, there were positive signs during the campaign that could pave the way for future success.
Daley’s tenure has been marked by struggles, particularly in closing out series. His current win rate in Origin sits at 39%, which raises concerns among fans and analysts alike. In the post-match press conference, when addressing the disorganisation in NSW’s attack, Daley deferred to captain Isaah Yeo, suggesting Yeo might provide a more accurate perspective given his role on the field. Yeo pointed out that the Maroons effectively countered NSW’s strategy, emphasising the need for the Blues to display greater patience.
The inability to manage the game effectively has been a recurring theme for the Blues, as they allowed Queensland to establish early leads in both games two and three. Despite a more energetic second half attributed to substitutions from Daley, many questions were raised about late adjustments, especially after trailing 20-0 at halftime.
Daley defended his decisions, explaining the rationale behind player usage. Yet, amid the media criticism, key players rallied behind their coach, with Nathan Cleary and Brian To’o insisting the team’s performance fell short rather than blaming Daley’s strategies. To’o highlighted Daley’s exceptional ability to connect with the players and foster a positive environment, stressing that he would be ready to play under him again next year.
Overall, while there are calls for introspection and improvement, Daley remains resolute about his vision for the Blues and their potential to bounce back next season. “We’ll look into that and what we think we need to be better at,” he stated, indicating his commitment to learning from this experience and striving for a stronger showing in the future.