Blues coach Laurie Daley has reportedly ended months of speculation around his future, deciding to step down as Blues coach.
In quotes provided to Code Sports, Daley says he’s “incredibly proud to have worked alongside an outstanding group of players, coaches, management and support staff”.
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Daley will confirm the news on Monday morning’s episode of the Big Sports Breakfast radio show, which he co-hosts.
“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,” Daley told Code Sports.
“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.
“The dedication, resilience and care they showed for each other and for the jersey is something I will always be proud to have witnessed.
“I have been incredibly proud to have worked alongside an outstanding group of players, coaches, management and support staff.
“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.”
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Having led the Blues to a triumphant 2-1 series victory over the Queensland Maroons earlier this year, it is understood the former Blues and Canberra legend is content in walking away from the role – especially in light of an intense few months of media and public scrutiny.
The big question is now who will replace Daley as Blues coach. There are reports that a successor could be named as early as Wednesday this week, and two former Blues are short odds to take the job.
NSWRL has already spoken with candidates for the NSW role, according to reports.
Two of Daley’s current assistants, Boyd Cordner and Matt King – former Blues who currently work under Trent Robinson at the Sydney Roosters – are top of the list.
The news around Daley’s departure comes as little surprise. The triumphant NSW leader fronted media last month and all but confirmed his time in charge was coming to an end.
“I’ve got my mind made up (about) what I want to do. I’ve enjoyed it, but we’ll see what happens,” Daley said.
“I knew what I wanted to do coming into this series, so for me, you don’t change course.”
Here, foxsports.com.au breaks down the major contenders to become the new head coach of the NSW Blues.