Westpac NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has declared his intention to return as coach next year in a bid to help the state win back the State of Origin shield.
Daley lost his fourth decider as coach on Wednesday night, with the Blues suffering a 24-12 defeat at a sold-out Accor Stadium.
The result marks a disappointing start to his second stint in charge of the team and comes after NSW let a 1-0 series lead slip through their grasp.
Daley was under considerable pressure heading into the campaign after Michael Maguire led the Blues to a historic victory in last year’s decider at Suncorp Stadium.
The NSW legend now has a 39% winning record as coach and has won just one series from six attempts.
Blues v Maroons – Game 3, 2025
Daley signed a two-year contract when he returned to the job late last year following Maguire’s departure to the Brisbane Broncos.
Asked post-game if he’s the right man to lead the team forward, the coach expressed his desire to achieve redemption next year.
“Most definitely,” Daley responded.
“What we’ve been building [is a successful team]. While I was disappointed with the result, the players had a really good campaign, we just didn’t nail the moments. We’ve got to make sure we’re better at that.
“I don’t see any reason why that group can’t [win next year’s series]. There is plenty of success [in the team]. It’s hard to win Origin series back-to-back, we know that. We’ve only won five back-to-back series in 45 years so it’s difficult. Queensland losing last year were always going to bounce back.”
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 3 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
The Blues were blown off the park early for the second-straight game and trailed 20-0 at half-time on Wednesday night.
This time there would be no comeback effort, with Queensland repelling an early NSW onslaught to close out the contest.
Daley’s disappointment with the result was shared by the players, who quickly backed their coach to return in 2026.
“He wasn’t the reason we lost tonight,” halfback Nathan Cleary said. “It was us as players. He committed a lot to this prep, I thought the preparation was really good.”
While Daley has faced criticism for his laidback nature amid the intensity of an Origin campaign, the Blues players have relished the chance to connect as a team.
Daley: We just couldn't win the moments
Winger Brian To’o said the coaching staff provided them with everything they needed to perform throughout the series, however execution in the big moments ultimately let them down.
“We all wouldn’t be he playing for the jersey if it wasn’t for him,” To’o said. “We always put our faith in the coach’s hands. Depending on whoever he chooses next year, I’ll be ready to put my hand up again.
“His ability to connect with not any one player but the collective group is special yo bring all the boys together. Coming into these camps I enjoy all the camaraderie around it, especially from the coaches. One thing I love about Loz is his way to connect with all the boys on and off the field.”
