Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Laurie Daley criticism has intensified after New South Wales Blues’ 44-24 State of Origin Game 2 loss to Queensland Maroons, with veteran rugby league reporter Dean Ritchie condemning personal attacks on the coach.

Daley has faced heavy scrutiny over his selections, bench use and tactical calls after dropping Haumole Olakau’atu and resisting calls to start Cameron Murray. The debate matters because the series is locked at 1-1, with the decider still to come and Daley’s future as New South Wales Blues coach under pressure.

For more NRL injury news, read Latrell Mitchell injury scare: South Sydney Rabbitohs sweat over calf scan ahead of Parramatta clash, while official State of Origin information is available through the National Rugby League website.

Ritchie Calls For Line To Be Drawn

Ritchie said Daley’s coaching decisions should be open to scrutiny, but argued the reaction had moved beyond fair football debate.

“I think Laurie, like any coach, is open for condemnation, criticism and debate. If there are decisions made that were dubious, I think we have a duty — as the mainstream media — to query that and question that,” Ritchie said on NRL 360.

“What I have been disappointed with has been the online pile-on on Laurie which has got personal. Some of it has been disgusting to be honest with you. It’s been revolting. It’s made me feel sick to my stomach.

“I think Laurie Daley as a coach can be criticised. I’ve got no problem with that. But as a person, it’s time to pull back. Enough is enough. He’s a human being.”

Blues Face Decider Pressure

Ritchie said New South Wales should still be able to challenge Queensland in Game 3, despite the poor performance in Melbourne.

“I think he deserves some respect... everyone has bagged the s*** out of him and that’s fine, but now as a state how about we do the right thing. Let’s get the players together. Let’s unite just a little bit, like Queensland do,” he said.

Brent Read reported on NRL 360 that signs still point to Daley leaving after the series, regardless of the result.

Former New South Wales advisor Greg Alexander said he understood why criticism had been sharp, pointing to last year’s decider and the first two games of this series.