Second serve: Why Laurie Daley is bringing a ‘harder edge’ to his Blues return

Laurie Daley eats fast - an old habit from growing up with seven sisters. But when it comes to coaching NSW, he’s taking his time to get things right. Watch the High Steaks interview.

Sitting down for a meal with rugby league legend and NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley, the first thing we discuss is his speed eating.

It’s not because he is a busy man. Which he is. He’s just returned from Las Vegas where he attended the NRL season opener and our lunch interview at The Locker Room at Sydney Olympic Park is sandwiched between press conferences and Daley’s radio co-hosting responsibilities on The Big Sports Breakfast. It’s because that’s what happens when you grow up as the only boy alongside seven sisters in the NSW country town of Junee.

“You know what I get accused of doing at home? Eating too fast,” Daley says.

“I came from a family of eight kids. We’d all get served and sometimes there might be extras there. But you weren’t allowed extras until you ate what was on your plate, so you had to get it in quickly. That was the way I got the second serve.

Rugby league legend Laurie Daley has returned for a second stint as NSW Origin coach. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“I was the only boy, so I got there first. I was a very fast eater. I could even talk while eating. I get pulled up a bit more these days by Michelle (his wife) and my family. I’ve got to be careful when eating at home.”

However it does mean, as the two of us devour our steaks, and more, that Daley can still give one of his most revealing interviews in his 38 years in top-flight rugby league.

Bruschetta with vine tomato, stracciatella and basil, pan-seared Haloumi, compressed watermelon and figs, and a 250g Black Onyx rump, chips, salad and a sauce at The Locker Room in Sydney Olympic Park. Picture: Justin Lloyd

A Canberra Raiders icon, Daley, 55, has returned for his second stint as NSW coach having led the Blues between 2013 and 2017. He guided the team through some of the most challenging and competitive games in Origin history and saw NSW come on top once.

It led to sustained personal criticism, which Daley describes as “brutal”.

“Criticism is part and parcel of the job and you are fair game when it comes to scrutiny of your decisions,” he says.

“You might not get them all right at the time and you understand everyone will have their opinion.

“The thing I don’t like is if they make it personal because they don’t like someone.”

Coach Laurie Daley during the Blues’ captains run in 2017. Losses hit him just as hard as they hit the fans. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Because those losses hit him just as hard as they hit the fans.

“You blame yourself and feel embarrassed. You take on a lot because the scrutiny is ten-fold,” he says.

“You have to accept that you can’t win all the time – you can’t be a miracle worker – but that doesn’t stop you trying. You can’t just walk away and give up.”

Which is why he’s returned to run the gauntlet again in 2025. Unfinished business. And, this time round, he insists he’ll do things differently.

“As you get older, you reflect on things in the past that didn’t work out and why they didn’t work out, whether I needed to be stronger in my decision making or more flexible in the way I was thinking,” he says.

“I will certainly be firm. I won’t be an easy target. Being respectful doesn’t mean you’re a soft touch.

Then captain Laurie Daley and Terry Hill during the 1998 State of Origin series.

“There will be a difference between this time and last time, and hard decisions I will have to make.

“A harder edge comes with being able to demand and get as close to excellence as you possibly can. That’s what we’re all about. I will be my own man, most definitely. I’ve always been my own man. What people perceive me to be, that’s up to them.”

While his approach to coaching might have changed, away from the footy field he hasn’t.

Asked to describe himself, Daley replies: “Mate, I’m just a normal fella that is typically Australian.”

He admits he’s not a flashy person. He doesn’t go to expensive restaurants and loves a meal at the local pub or eatery. And you won’t find him in designer clothes, that is unless his wife Michelle buys them for him.

“I wouldn’t have a clue about clothing,” he says.

What he does know is that “family is everything”, and says he wouldn’t be able to do what he does without the support of his wife Michelle and children Jaimee, Will and Caitlin.

Michelle Daley and children Caitlin, 15, and Will, 12, during Daley’s first stint as Blues coach. “Family is everything.”

“You love them with everything you have and I would do anything for them. Michelle is the heartbeat of our family. She really is an incredible partner and mother who always shows love, strength and support,” he says.

“She keeps me grounded. She speaks to me honestly and openly. Her kindness with everything she does inspires us all and we’re very grateful to have her in our life.”

Daley takes inspiration from his children’s career, with Jaimee working as a police officer, Will in hospitality and Caitlin as a nurse.

“I am incredibly proud of the young man Will has become. He has already shown so much maturity and determination. Will is a nice, respectful kid, he’s quiet, works hard and likes his sport. He really approaches life with a strong sense of purpose and is always trying to better himself,” he says.

“It’s challenging for Jaimee at times but she has that drive and wants to help people, like Caitlin, who works in a hospital. Both girls have similar traits in different jobs. They embody hard work, resilience and a deep sense of responsibility. I couldn’t be prouder of the way they protect people.”

So what’s Daley’s final promise to NSW fans this year?

“You can’t promise wins, as much as you would like to. It’s Origin, so anything can happen,” he says honestly.

“But I can promise that the team will be well prepared, they will compete hard, and they will be giving it their best and representing their state with pride.

“I will be doing my best, that I can promise.”

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