Daley sacked as coach of NSW
Laurie Daley says he’s disappointed to lose his job as New South Wales Blues coach but respects the decision.
The New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) board met yesterday and announced that Daley, whose deal expired this year, would not be offered the chance to continue in charge of the Blues.
‘‘I understand that the business is results-driven and I respect the decision of the board to go in another direction,’’ Daley said.
NSWRL chairman George Peponis said: ‘‘We felt it was time to make a change. All aspects of the business will be looked at from coaching staff to team operations and personnel.’’
Daley has presided over five Origin series during which time the Blues have only been successful on one occasion in 2014.
The NSWRL said the board had committed to conducting an organisational overhaul and restructure, which included appointing a new coach, camp locations, management structure and team protocols.
Daley coached the Blues to their drought-breaking 2014 series victory, but maintained a modest 6-9 record at the interstate level.
NSW assistant Brad Fittler is the likely frontrunner to replace Daley, while former Blues players Dean Pay, Craig Fitzgibbon and Geoff Toovey could also feature as options.
If the Blues were to consider an NRL coach - as has been floated by former mentor Phil Gould - Craig Bellamy could earn a second bite at the cherry.
Canterbury’s Des Hasler and former Titans coach John Cartwright are others in the mix.
Current and former assistants Danny Buderus and Shane Flanagan have previously ruled out their interest in the role.
Sydney Morning Herald and AAP