Add Category
Updated
New South Wales coach Laurie Daley will not be offered another contract to coach the Blues State of Origin team.
Daley's five-year deal had come to an end, and the NSWRL announced that the board would begin an organisational overhaul and would commence the search for a new coach.
"I have spoken with Laurie and he understands the decision," NSWRL chairman George Peponis said.
"He is obviously disappointed but he has enjoyed the journey and appreciated the opportunity."
Daley was appointed as coach in August 2012.
He led the Blues to a drought-breaking series win over Queensland in 2014, but could not add to that success.
NSW looked on track for another victory when the Blues crushed the Maroons 28-4 at Lang Park to kick off the series.
But Queensland hit back in Origin II, as Dane Gagai's late try handed the Maroons an 18-16 victory at the Olympic stadium.
The Blues could not claim the series win, losing 22-6 at Lang Park in the decider.
In a statement, Daley said he respected the decision.
"I've enjoyed my time working for New South Wales Rugby League," Daley said.
"I understand that the business is results-driven and I respect the decision of the board to go in another direction.
"I will always support New South Wales and I wish their team and their coach every success in the future."
Daley's overall record as coach of the Blues was six wins and nine losses from 15 games.
"Obviously we thank Laurie for the significant contribution he has made over the past five years," Dr Peponis said.
"He is a legend of the game and has done a tremendous job.
"We felt it was time to make a change. All aspects of the business will be looked at from coaching staff to team operations and personnel."
Former Blues hooker Ben Elias said he was "very, very disappointed at the NSWRL's decision".
"I know how much hard work [Daley] has put in the last five years," Elias said.
"It's disappointing but you just have to get with reality, chew the gum and now keep on going."
Elias pointed to Brad Fittler, a former Blues star and coach of the Sydney Roosters from 2007-2009 — who was the final City Origin coach in the now-defunct City-Country fixture — as someone who would be a good replacement for Daley.
"I have been very fortunate to have some very good coaches at State of Origin level, and you look at who is available and one bloke that sticks out without a doubt is Freddy Fittler," he said.
"I love Freddie, I love everything about what he does, his casual approach, his love, his passion, his analytical outlook on games, I think all that works.
"He has done a bit of coaching for the Roosters, he is not new to it so I think he is my obvious choice.
"I know he is keen [on the job], and respectfully to Freddie he did not put his hand up when all the drama and conjecture about Laurie moving on [were happening].
"He never came out and said he wanted his job, and that was the respect he showed, and that's the bloke you want at the helm, a bloke who has a lot of respect and regard for the incumbents."
Topics: sport, rugby-league, state-of-origin, australia, nsw
First posted