Behind the scenes with the NSW Blues as coach Laurie Daley prepares the team for State of Origin I

WE go behind the scenes with the NSW Blues at their Coogee camp as coach Laurie Daley prepares the side for State of Origin I on June 5:

IT started with a 7am birthday call and ended 17 hours later in a hotel room in Coogee. Laurie Daley's first, exhaustive day as NSW coach was finally over.

From coaching, lunchroom and team meetings, his meet-and-greet with players, training and even the downtime inside his hotel room at the Crowne Plaza, The Daily Telegraph was given exclusive access to Daley inside his camp on Monday as NSW assembled for State of Origin I next Wednesday night at ANZ Stadium.

7am: Family before work - even if you are the State of Origin coach. Daley starts his day with a birthday call to daughter Jaimee, who has turned 17. "I love her dearly. It is a special day for her which was capped off later with a call from her favourite player,  Jarryd Hayne."

8.45am: An excited Daley arrives in camp after conducting several radio interviews on the journey. "I've waited nine months for this moment," he says.

Daley checks into his room and heads to the hotel brasserie with his coaching staff - Matt Parish, Trent Barrett, Jim Dymock and Brad Fittler. Players Luke Lewis and Robbie Farah are already in camp. Daley greets The Daily Telegraph before inviting us to a level-one conference room for a meeting with all the staff.

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9.15am: Daley, Parish, Dymock, Fittler, Barrett along with Blues staffers Steve Roach, Paul McGregor, Liz Steet, Nathan Gibbs, Ronnie Palmer, Tristan Hay, Robbie Aubin, Craig Young, Burt Lowrie and Gav Wood discuss their roles and how "the players should be looked after as best as possible".

Plans for the remainder of the camp are mapped out.

Ever the joker, Fittler yells out: "Right, who leaked the team?"

Luke Lewis Michael Jennings

10am: Daley meets his players as they filter into camp. Hayne arrives, then Greg Bird before Dragons pair Trent Merrin and Brett Morris.

"Congrats boys," Daley says to Morris and Merrin.

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Daley asks funnyman Merrin: "You got a few jokes for us?"

Merrin replies: "I have some new material this year."

Daley later says: "He is a funny bloke but tells the worst jokes. 'What do you call a three-legged donkey? A wonkey!' He is a great bloke to have around."

Inside the same conference room, players are fitted out for playing and training gear. The players embrace one another on arrival. Daley gives Andrew Fifita a welcoming hug.

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On expectations, Daley says: "We have to carry ourselves the best we can. Our preparation has to be spot on. Enjoy the week and each other's company.

The intensity will build as we go along."

Sitting back is Roach, who says: "I love seeing the excitement on the faces of the new boys."

James Maloney

11.15am: Around 80 media representatives gather in the hotel pool area for player interviews. The Daily Telegraph grabs Paul Gallen for a one-on-one. He reveals his plans as skipper. Roach then turns commentator, interviewing players for ONE's The Game Plan.

Midday: Daley, meanwhile, meets with staff in the cafe again to reaffirm the program and agenda. The mood is light, the off-field team relaxed.

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12.30pm: The team and staff meet for a buffet lunch. The feeling of excitement is tangible. Players work through a hearty menu including schnitzels, lasagne, ham, cold cuts, Greek salads and water.

1pm: Daley heads to his room for some quiet time. His electronic key doesn't work. A maid walks past, Daley seeks help.

He is famous in rugby league, but she says: "Name sir?"

She checks her guest list, finally assisting the coach into his room.

"I have to tidy up first. If my wife (Michelle) sees it messy in the photo, I will be in trouble," he laughs.

Daley makes calls and continues with his extensive "to-do" list.

"I am just going over what I have said, what I haven't and what I need to say," Daley explains.

Laurie Daley

1.45pm: Daley and players meet in hotel foyer for short walk to Coogee Oval. There they participate in a kids' coaching clinic. Daley jumps in and runs through the elementary drills. Roach watches on in amazement as prop James Tamou walks past. "He is the biggest bloke I have ever seen."

2.15pm: NSW train. It was a light run, players waving arms and gesturing to each other about the style NSW will employ. Daley keeps a fairly low profile.

"It was great to see so many kids and fans watching us train - we are in this together," he says.

4pm: After a recovery session, players return to their hotel to rest and shower before dinner.

5.30pm: Another staff meeting to discuss the following day's plan. It will start with a 7am session at Life Cycle Fitness in Bronte.

6.30pm: The players walk about 250m to Sauce Bar and Grill in Alfreda Street for a dinner with sponsor Holden.

Blocker Roach is MC and interviews Daley and newcomer James Maloney. The players tuck into juicy steak and veg. Roach offers "some of my thoughts and memories of Origin football". A few beers are consumed but players return to their hotel just before midnight.

Daley catches the lift to his room. Thankfully his electronic key works.

Day 1 is finally over. But the journey has only just begun.