How Laurie Daley Changed NSW's Fortunes! Daley Set to Step Down, Who Could Replace Him?

Photo: NRL

NSW and Laurie Daley have pulled off a stunning upset in QLD, winning 30-12 on the night to seal a 2-1 series victory, off the back of some poor games and coaching decisions.

But how did coach Laurie Daley pull it off in the decider? Here is how he did it.

Jack Bostock for Brian To'o.

This decision was a big one, but was purely tactical. There's no doubt To'o is the better player, but after he was targeted with kicks, Daley opted for Bostock which made QLD need to play more through the middle which was much harder to do. Just his presence made a big difference.

Mitchell Moses and Nathan Cleary dynamic.

Daley finally got these two right. Moses to do the long kicking, Cleary to kick close to the line. The perfect thing to do. Moses is the best long kicker in the NRL and kicked for his life, nearly topping 800 kick metres getting NSW out of trouble on many occasions. Cleary focused in the attacking half, and produced the clinic we've all been waiting for. A great move from Daley.

Liam Martin and Bradman Best back in.

Both players were injured but were available for this game, and always produce in a NSW jersey. Best provided great support on both ends of the field with his physicality and speed making QLD's life a nightmare in both attack and defence. The fact people thought Martin was not the right pick is insanity. His passion and effort in defence every time he pulls on the Blues jersey is fantastic to watch.

Correctly managing the hookers.

After a shambolic subs performance by Daley in game 2, he finally got it right, injecting Blayke Brailey into the game early in the second half. This was a super simple idea on paper, but Daley listened to his critics and made the correct tactical call.

Fearless footy.

NSW played far too conservative in the first two games. A lack of offloading, too much central running, not enough set plays and wide shifts. These things QLD did well, but finally NSW returned serve and played more expansive footy, this was the key change to winning this game.

Laurie Daley set to step down.

Laurie Daley is now set to step down. He produced a great win this time, but his selections and tactics were questionable at times, and this is a gracious and correct decision by Daley.

The current favourites to replace him for 2027 are Paul McGregor, Michael Ennis, Matt King, Michael Maguire, Dean Young, and Ivan Cleary among others.

Ivan Cleary will be a big favourite for the job when he gives up NRL club coaching at the end of 2027, for the 2028 season.