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What kind of workplace rehires a former employee who was previously shown the door for underperforming?
Better still, not meeting quotas.
Rugby league has a big problem. Giving second chances is a mantra in life, and in some circumstances, it understandably applies to coaching.
Yet in the case of Laurie Daley and the New South Wales Blues, it holds no relevance.
The NRL is big on regifting coaches around the competition. Not dissimilar to the old Christmas ‘Snatch and Grab’ game. You pick a gift and if you’re later in the queue, you get the chance to take one you like without the added uncertainty of a new wrapped parcel.
The point – is rugby league contempt with a flawed recruiting process? Whatever happened to taking a chance and blooding new talent?
Doubting Daley’s love for NSW and his passion for the job is far from the point.
Go back to the Blues’ drought-breaking 2014 series. Daley will forever be an Origin legend and a great of the game.
Despite a rather unattractive induction press conference on Monday, he clearly has the right motives and wants the best for the Blues.
The problem lies in his re-selection. He should never have been a candidate in the first place.
If you’re wondering why such a remark was made about his press conference appearance, it was the lack of vigour with which he spoke.
“You’d like to think so,” Daley answered to the question “are you a better coach than seven years ago?”
“I’d like to think I’ve learnt a lot. I never thought I’d have the opportunity again. I accepted; we move forward.”
Blues coaching staff in 2004: Laurie Daley, Phil Gould and John Cartwright. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)
Back yourself Daley. Have some punch and some confidence to do well despite a poor past.
The recent attitude of sacked Broncos coach Kevin Walters comes to mind. After Brisbane came back to beat Parramatta 30-24 in round 25 this season, Walters made a declaration that showed his true colours despite a tough draw heading into September.
“There’s no if, we will make the finals,” Walters said.
Yes, Brisbane botched their season and failed to make the eight after a gallant grand final performance the year before.
Walters was willing to die by his sword. Put all the cards on the table and backed his side, to show Brisbane supporters and his players that he had full faith in their ability.
Unfortunately, the merit in his words was not enough to grant him another year.
Away from the talk, the monetary side of the deal is a real cause for concern.
Before Brad Fittler’s resignation in 2023, it was reported he was earning an annual wage of $450,000 as the Blues coach.
While the argument is that Origin preparation goes far beyond its three-game series, that is an absurd amount of cash for such a role.
No doubt that Daley’s pay packet is less than that – but it’s a healthy cheque for the current TAB advocate. Even if the selection is a massive gamble.
When it comes down to statistics, Daley’s Origin record is not a complete train wreck.
Those on the surface level will say he failed miserably, due to the four series losses from five cracks. NSW won six of the 15 games during his tenure. It was rough, but it wasn’t Trent Barrett Bulldogs-esque.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
One thing was clear, his style was simply not working. NSW needed a change, it worked – as did this year’s campaign with the traditionalist techniques of Michael Maguire.
Yes, Maguire was moved on from the Tigers and his selection was also questioned at the Blues’ helm.
Maguire had one thing going for him that Daley did not. Madge had experience as a genuine NRL head coach with proven success. Daley has only coached as a ring-in.
The Prime Minister’s XIII, NSW Country and Indigenous All-Stars aren’t proper outfits. Let’s cut the chase.
Billy Slater had zero coaching experience before jumping into the Origin gauntlet. Yet regardless of state residence, surely, we are all in agreeance that the Maroons’ mentor is a natural.
Apart from the ‘we are all Queenslanders’ mishap, Slater is remarkably articulate, professional and refreshingly honest.
So who was overlooked?
Matt King. The Roosters assistant served as Maguire’s understudy this year, has been around the NSW camp for many years, and as a player, was part of the 2005 team that upset Queensland at Lang Park in that historic decider.
The nine-capped Blue was prepared to walk away from his role at the Tricolours if the spot was his for the taking.
For a coach like him on the trying trajectory, when does his time come?
For an Origin side that proved change was a good thing in 2024, it seems obtuse to think going back to a problem coach could ever prove a positive.
It is a palm in the face to those who have willingly sat in the backseat and steadily ground their way up the pecking order for a shot.
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