Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Laurie Daley has rejected claims about his coaching methods after guiding the New South Wales Blues to a 30-12 State of Origin decider victory over the Queensland Maroons at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, July 8. Speaking on Monday, the coach criticised reports that his pre-match addresses were putting players to sleep.
Laurie Daley faced heavy scrutiny throughout the series, but New South Wales Blues controlled the deciding match and led 18-4 at halftime. The victory completed a memorable series win in Brisbane and gave the coach a forceful answer to his critics.
Pressure on leading figures has also featured across Australian sport, with Zach Merrett defended by Dean Solomon after Essendon’s loss to Brisbane Lions.
“If I was putting people to sleep, I think one of my strengths is not that,” Laurie Daley told Big Sports Breakfast.
“I don’t want to get involved at that level but we have some really powerful discussions and upbeat talks. It annoys me when people who don’t know, haven’t got a clue (and) haven’t been in and around the preparation just write articles.”
“When you hear it you just go, ‘That’s just made up’ and then people hear it and believe it and take it as truth.”
New South Wales Rugby League chief executive Dave Trodden also criticised the reports surrounding Laurie Daley. The coach rejected claims that his relationship with Dave Trodden was the main reason he received the position.
Laurie Daley credited the players and coaching staff for remaining united throughout the series. That support helped New South Wales Blues absorb the outside pressure and produce their strongest performance when the series was on the line.
The official State of Origin match centre records the score, team lists and player statistics from the decider.
Laurie Daley’s future remains uncertain, with no decision confirmed on whether he will continue as coach. He described the State of Origin role as “consuming” after returning last year.
