Daley hints at exit plan after Origin series
NSW coach Laurie Daley has dropped his biggest hint yet at a possible exit from State of Origin, saying his job would be complete when a foundation is laid for future success.
Now in his fifth year in charge since taking over in 2013, Daley has been cagey all series on whether he would seek a sixth attempt at the Maroons.
Speaking after Tuesday’s captain’s run on the Gold Coast, Daley was again reluctant to discuss his future but suggested a plan was in place for his eventual departure.
His comments come less than a day after skipper Boyd Cordner called on Daley to remain at the helm no matter the result in game three.
"That’s great to hear it from someone like Boyd, but it’s not a concern or my issue,’’ Daley said.
‘‘I just want to know that this team has been set up in the right way that we can have success going forward. When you do that, you know you’ve done your job.’’
Daley’s legacy is likely to hinge on the outcome of Wednesday night, when the former Blues champion could become just the second NSW coach to claim more than one Origin series win.
But another loss will give him the ignominious record of being the only Blues coach to suffer four series defeats against the Maroons. No other coach has lasted beyond a third series loss.
NSW under-16s and 18s coach Brad Fittler and current assistant John Cartwright have been mentioned as possible candidates to take over should the job be vacated.
However the most successful Blues coach in Origin history, Phil Gould, questioned whether Daley would be able to handle the emotional toll of another series loss.
‘‘I don’t know that he likes the physical and emotional drain it leaves on him after a lost series,’’ Gould said. ‘‘If they were to lose this series, it would be devastating for him.’’
‘‘I don’t know that we have any better options than Laurie Daley to coach this side. I don’t think anyone’s going to know Origin better than Laurie.’’
Meanwhile Daley declared captain Cordner a certain starter for the State of Origin decider, but is unsure if he will last the entire 80 minutes.
Cordner proved he has overcome a nagging calf problem by completing Tuesday’s captain’s run on the Gold Coast, meaning the Blues will field the same 17 for the entire series.
● In a shot in the arm for Queensland, veteran fullback Billy Slater has been cleared to play what might be his final State of Origin game. But Maroons coach Kevin Walters believes sidelined Johnathan Thurston will have just as much influence, as Queensland look to extend their remarkable dynasty in Wednesday night’s decider.
Queensland were breathing easier on Tuesday after Slater was a confirmed starter, defying a rolled ankle and taking part in the Maroons’ captain’s run at Suncorp Stadium.
The series decider might be the Origin hurrah for 34-year-old Slater and Maroons halfback Cooper Cronk, who are yet to confirm whether they will play on in 2018.