NSW confirms next State of Origin coach for 2025
NSW has made a bold choice to replace Michael Maguire, with two former coaches returning to the Blues in a surprise appointment.
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NSW has confirmed Laurie Daley will coach the team in the 2025 State of Origin series.
After weeks of swirling rumours, the NSWRL has made up its mind to go back to the future with Daley to take up the top job that he stepped down from in 2017.
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In a huge show of faith, the NSWRL board has signed up Daley on a four-year deal through to the end of the 2029 season.
The NSWRL has called a snap press conference for Monday morning at their Homebush headquarters.
Daley, 55, was previously reported to have been among the stand-out candidates for the position — but he was far from the only applicant that was given serious consideration.
Craig Bellamy has been appointed to the newly created role of advisor to the coaching team.
In a statement, the NSWRL said: “Bellamy is renowned for his exceptional coaching career with Melbourne Storm and will provide invaluable expertise and strategic guidance to the team.”
Melbourne Storm coach Bellamy was NSW coach for three series in 2008-10 but claimed just two wins in nine Origin matches.
His appointment in an advisor role means the former Canberra Raiders teammates will be reunited in a coaching capacity.
Nine’s Danny Weidler wrote on X that Bellamy’s appointment was a “great move for Daley.”
Daley said: “I’ve had a great relationship with Craig over a number of years. Obviously we keep in touch.
“I was looking for some guidance. I was looking for someone, if I ever got an opportunity again, to help me. I thought he would be the best possible person to do that.
“Both of us have that passion and desire to be successful.”
Daley said he had a “burning passion for the state” as he was unveiled as NSW’s new coach at a press conference on Monday.
“Really excited about the opportunity to coach NSW again,” Daley said.
“To be asked to do the job, I feel very honoured. Michael Maguire did such a fantastic job last year and we’re hoping to continue on what he left behind.”
“I love NSW, I love coaching and this suits me perfectly.”
The NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said: “One of the great legacies which Madge leaves is the structure which he put in place in 2024.
“That structure will remain for 2025 with Frank Ponissi again filling the role of Team Performance Manager and Matt King, for whom we have the highest regard, having been offered the role of Senior Assistant Coach.
“Brett White returns as an Assistant Coach and Gilbert Enoka stays in his role as Leadership Coach.”
Roosters assistant coach Matt King, Blues cult hero Michael Ennis, former Dragons coach Paul McGregor and experienced senior coach Trent Barrett were also in the race.
It was reported in October Blues officials were not happy with incumbent coach Michael Maguire’s decision to chase the top job at the Broncos while remaining contracted with the Blues.
Daley only won one series during his time in charge of the Blues from 2013-2017 — but he crucially ended Queensland’s streak of eight straight series wins in 2014.
He finished his Blues coaching tenure with six wins from 15 matches — but it was a respectable record considering he was up against the greatest team Queensland ever assembled.
Daley was let go by the NSWRL after the 2017 series defeat and was replaced by Brad Fittler.
His final season in charge was derailed by a series of off-field incidents.
In 2017, the Canberra Raiders legend said he took full responsibility for “cultural” issues in the Blues dressing room after Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson spent the Friday before game three drinking at a Lennox Head pub days before the game.
“We knew they were going down to Lennox Head to meet up with a mate and obviously we’ve done something wrong to allow them to think they could go down there and have a few beers,” he said at the time.
“At the end of the day both of those guys agree on reflection that it wasn’t a good look and it’s something that we will address.”
The NSWRL will also name the new women’s State of Origin coach on Monday after Kylie Hilder stepped down from the role in November following consecutive series losses.
Wests Tigers NRLW coach Brett Kimmorley previously expressed interest in the job.
The Sky Blues haven’t lifted the trophy since 2022, with expressions of interest open to see who wants to lead them going forward.
Originally published as NSW confirms next State of Origin coach for 2025
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