NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has decided to step down from his role as head coach after guiding the state to a State of Origin series triumph this year.
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Having returned to the Blues head coaching role two years ago, Daley has opted to walk away once again, ending months of speculation over his future.
According to CODE Sports, he has privately informed his closest confidantes that he won’t be returning for next year’s Origin series.
It is understood that his decision comes amid a recent health scare
The decision by Daley to depart his current role means that NSWRL will now begin the search for a new coach ahead of the 2027 State of Origin campaign.
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When contacted by CODE Sports, Daley indicated that an official announcement would be made later this week.
“I do know what I want to do,” Daley said when contacted by the publication on Tuesday evening.
“I will let people know later in the week what I’m doing.”
Laurie Daley won’t be the Blues coach in 2027.Source: AFP
The reports of Daley’s future come as close friend and Queensland Maroons icon Paul Vautin revealed that the Blues coach had already informed him of his decision.
“He (Daley) told me the other day he’s not doing it (the NSW Origin job),” Vautin said on the Fanatics podcast.
“I was really happy for Laurie Daley he is one of the champions on earth as a person.
“Great fella and to see him win that and virtually go like this (up yours) to all his critics.”
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First taking charge of the Blues in 2013, Daley will end his tenure with nine victories from 21 matches at a 42 per cent success rate.
His first stint came between 2013 and 2017 before he opted to return to the role ahead of the 2025 series.
This move marked a return to the Origin arena for Daley, who previously made 23 appearances for the Blues as a player between 1989 and 1998, cementing himself as one of the state’s greatest representatives.