Rugby league great Laurie Daley has officially quit as New South Wales State of Origin coach after leading the Blues to a thrilling 2-1 series victory over Queensland in 2026.
Despite facing heavy criticism throughout the campaign, Daley secured the Shield with a historic win in the decider at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. This achievement makes him the only NSW representative to win a series decider in Brisbane as both a captain (1992, 1994) and a coach (2026).
NSWRL chief executive David Trodden praised Daley’s incredible contribution to the game.
“NSWRL owes a massive debt of gratitude to Laurie for the service he has given to his state as both a player and a coach,” Mr Trodden said.
“He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have ever pulled on a sky blue jumper, becoming the first NSW captain to lead his state to three consecutive series wins in 1992-94.
“He has also led NSW to arguably two of the greatest Origin series wins of all time as a coach, after ending Queensland’s eight-year winning streak in 2014 and overcoming adversity to steer the Blues home in 2026.
“Those wins transcended football. They lifted and reinvigorated the whole state. He deserves to leave the NSW Origin arena as the hero that he is.”
Daley finishes his coaching career with the Blues with two series wins from seven attempts across two stints.
Reflecting on his departure, Daley said he was proud to leave on a high note.
“I’ve always considered it an absolute honour and privilege to be involved with the NSW Blues State of Origin team, whether that was as a player or a coach, and I’ve always been ready to answer the call for my state whenever they needed me,” he said.
“We faced plenty of challenges in the 2026 series and I’m proud of the way the players banded together to overcome them and save their best performance for game three in Brisbane to secure a memorable series win.
“I thank the fans for their passion and their support, and I can’t think of a better way to move on with the Shield back where it belongs in NSW.”
Source: Australian Associated Press
