NSWRL has paid tribute to True Blue Laurie Daley after he announced today that he would be stepping down from his role as coach of the Westpac NSW Blues after successfully returning the Ampol State of Origin Shield to NSW.
NSW won the 2026 series over Queensland 2-1 after becoming only the fourth team in Origin history to win a decider at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
In doing so, Daley became the only NSW representative to win a series decider in Brisbane as both a captain (1992, 1994) and a coach (2026).
“NSWRL owes a massive debt of gratitude to Laurie for the service he has given to his state as both a player and a coach,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.
“He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have ever pulled on a sky blue jumper, becoming the first NSW captain to lead his state to three consecutive series wins in 1992-94.
“He has also led NSW to arguably two of the greatest Origin series wins of all time as a coach, after ending Queensland’s eight-year winning streak in 2014 and overcoming adversity to steer the Blues home in 2026.
“Those wins transcended football. They lifted and reinvigorated the whole state. He deserves to leave the NSW Origin arena as the hero that he is.”
Daley said: “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.
“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.
“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.
“I have been incredibly proud to have worked alongside an outstanding group of players, coaches, management and support staff.
“The dedication, resilience and care they showed for each other and for the jersey is something I will always be proud to have witnessed.”
