'An absolute honour and privilege': Daley stands down as Blues coach

Jarred Cross Published August 3, 2026 at 9.30am (AWST)

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Laurie Daley has stood down as New South Wales coach after winning his second shield in charge of the Blues. (Image: Dave Hunt/AAP)

Laurie Daley has officially stood down as NSW men's State of Origin coach.

In a statement on Monday Daley said it had been an honour and privilege to lead the Blues, with New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) saying his impact made while in charge included successes which "transcended football".

Daley delivered NSW two State of Origin shields across two stints as coach of the state, including in 2026 after steering his side to triumph in the Brisbane decider.

"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," Daley said on Monday.

"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."

Regarded as one of the Blues' all-time bests, Daley represented the state as a player for a decade before coaching the side for a collective seven series (2013-17, 2025-26).

He also captained his state in the jumper.

"I have been incredibly proud to have worked alongside an outstanding group of players, coaches, management and support staff," Daley added.

"The dedication, resilience and care they showed for each other and for the jersey is something I will always be proud to have witnessed."

Speculation had surrounded his future in the role, including during the most recent series.

He hit back at critics after July's game three success at Suncorp, and last week knocked back suggestions he would quit the job for health reasons while hinting a decision was coming.

The Indigenous Team of the Century member is the only player to win a series decider in Brisbane as both a player and coach.

*Lauie Daley (right) represented the Blues as a player for a decade, and later spent a collective seven series in charge as coach. (Image: Dean Lewins/AAP)*

"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 of Daley.

"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."