Paul Kent: Why Laurie Daley could not continue as NSW coach

TO beat Queensland, the Blues needed to make good on just one effort. And under Laurie Daley they could not even do that, writes PAUL KENT.

Time’s up for Laurie Daley as Blues coach.

IN the end, there appeared too many question marks for Laurie Daley to continue as NSW coach.

Daley paid the price for the actions of Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson, who went out on the drink the Friday before the series decider without the coach’s consent or knowledge.

That Daley did not know was as troublesome for him as if he did know but had consented, and so the NSWRL finished its review and announced he would not be reappointed. The confusion around the Andrew Fifita starting or not starting saga also contributed.

AXED: Laurie Daley sacked as NSW State of Origin coach

CONTENDERS: Who should be the next NSW coach?

MAROONS VIEW: Queenslanders can breathe a bit easier

Laurie Daley has been sacked as NSW coach.

Together, with a few other small issues, they spoke to the Blues’ culture.

Long-suffering fans have excused the Blues’ losing streak with the subtle nudge and wink that Queensland had lucked upon not one, not even two, but three once-in-a-generation players (four if you include Greg Inglis) in Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater.

So to beat them, the Blues needed to make good on just one effort. They needed to give themselves the absolute best preparation they could. And they could not even do that.

Laurie Daley

Daley was loyal to his players to the point they cost him his job.

Not only will the Blues have a new coach next season but prepare for a new-look side.