Blues to take time deciding Daley’s fate

THE NSWRL won’t be rushed or bullied into any rash decision on the future of coach Laurie Daley, with the two parties expected to meet in coming weeks.

There has been growing speculation Daley will stand down — but that may not necessarily be the case.

Daley’s NSW side lost a de- cider on Wednesday night, the coach left shattered by the 22- 6 result.

The powerful NSWRL board — chaired by George Peponis — won’t make any decision on Daley, or the NSW coach, for at least another four to six weeks.

Daley is known to enjoy a robust working relationship with Peponis and NSWRL chief executive David Trod- den. Daley and Trodden were yesterday reluctant to discuss the issue.

Daley has a 6- 9 record against one of the greatest representative sides in Australian history.

“He hasn’t wanted any discussion about his decision and I totally respect that view,” Trodden said last night. “He has heavily invested in his job.

“Maybe the best thing for everyone is to let the dust settle before we do discuss that.”

Several candidates — including Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Craig Fitzgibbon — have been mooted as possible replacements.

Daley held an impromptu press conference on his arrival back in Sydney yesterday. “I certainly know what I’m doing,” said Daley, who wouldn’t elaborate any further.