Queensland Origin great calls out ‘strange’ Laurie Daley decision – as second-time Blues coach vows he has learnt from previous mistakes
- Laurie Daley will become NSW Blues Origin coach for the second time
- Great Queensland commentator Corey Parker was stunned
- Parker labeled the decision as “left field” and is said to have looked elsewhere
Queensland Origin great Corey Parker has loudly questioned NSW’s ‘strange’ decision to give Laurie Daley a second chance as head coach.
Daley, 55, was previously in charge of the Blues between 2013 and 2017, winning just one interstate series.
But after Michael Maguire replaced Kevin Walters as Brisbane’s NRL coach in October, the coveted coaching role was his for the taking.
Daley was given the honor ahead of Matt King and Michael Ennis – and Parker – who played in 19 games for the Maroons between 2004 and 2016 – was stunned.
“I was a bit surprised,” he said on SEN radio on Tuesday.
“Laurie went up against a truly formidable Queensland side during that first stint, where we saw eight consecutive series wins for Queensland.
‘He’s leftfield for me. He’s been there and done that and I think it fits the powers above.
“I thought there was a real chance of going with someone like Matt King, Michael Ennis or Brett White. One of these younger guys who have been in systems week in and week out for NRL sides.
Queensland Origin great Corey Parker has questioned NSW’s ‘strange’ decision to give Laurie Daley a second chance as head coach
Daley was previously in charge of the Blues between 2013 and 2017 and is confident he has learned from previous mistakes
“You just have to look at Billy Slater and his innovative ideas and what he has been able to offer Queensland over the last few seasons… Billy had no head coach (experience) and he handled (Queensland) beautifully.
“I think it was a strange call from NSW if I’m being honest and brutally honest.”
Parker admitted having Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy as his chief advisor could be a masterstroke for Daley and NSW.
‘[Daley] “brings great passion and a great belief in the Blues jersey, but from a coaching perspective he has been out of the picture for a while,” Parker added. “That’s why you need someone like Craig Bellamy.
‘It’s what’s in your mind. As a collective you need people who believe in the Blues jersey.
‘Don’t underestimate what Bellamy does for this team. While Daley is the head coach, Bellamy will command respect.”
Daley has also confirmed he will be contacting Maguire to see what worked well in camp last year – and the squad will be based again in the NSW Blue Mountains ahead of the three matches.
When it comes to selections, Rabbitohs’ Latrell Mitchell is likely to return in the centers with Manly’s Tom Trbojevic – provided both are fit and in form – with Daley happy with Nathan Cleary or Mitch Moses as his first-choice halfback.