NSW Blues stars band together to defend coach Laurie Daley
The NSW stars have come to the defense of coach Laurie Daley, saying the chance to prove his critics wrong will provide extra motivation to clinch the series against Queensland in Brisbane.
The State of Origin series as a whole is level and the Blues still have a chance of a rare series win at Suncorp Stadium on July 8. But Daley was torched for his selections, his use of the bench and the performance of a Blues team that had not played to its full potential.
Daley’s coaching record in two Origin series was one series win from six tries, and the defeat in Melbourne was his 12th, leaving Maroons mentor Wayne Bennett behind for most defeats. But his charges have mounted a stout defense against the former Raiders center ahead of what is likely his final game at the helm.
“Yes, of course, because it’s our responsibility,” prop Payne Haas said when asked if the Daley pile-up was fair.
“We’re the ones who went there and didn’t perform to the standard that NSW required. We didn’t do that, so it’s a bit unfair to Loz…
“Loz is a great person and obviously you want to do this for someone like that.
“We’ll take it day by day, but we’re trying to get a result for him… Obviously he’s cut it off a little bit from everyone else and he wants to do it for himself and for the group here.
“A lot has been said about our group and how we didn’t get Origin and stuff like that. It means the world to have the opportunity to go out there and prove everyone wrong.”
Daley opted to keep Mitchell Moses as the five-eighth starter despite pressure to have Ethan Strange, one of the stars of Game I, start at that position.
“He had our full support, he had the support of the playing group, he had the support of everybody,” Moses said of Daley.
“We’re right behind Loz and all the decisions he makes. We’re going to go out there and try to perform and solidify the series.”
Robson was another official who retained his place despite some pundits calling for a change at open half.
“I’ve been asked about Loz a few times and for me it’s his interest factor and what he brings as a coach,” Robson said. he said.
“His approach is just to have full belief in yourself and as a player to go out there and get the job done.
“My experience with Loz was unreal. It’s the first time I’ve had Origin coaching from him but him and the staff, you can’t blame them.”
“We’re lucky to have guys like Loz who have played and coached at Origin for a long time, they know what it takes and it’s up to us as players to get the job done.”
Daley is contracted until the end of this series but has refused to discuss whether he wants to continue. Halfback Nathan Cleary marveled at Daley’s ability to remain unaffected by outside noise.
“He’s super durable,” Cleary said. “Even though he’s new to camp, he stands there with a smile and is energetic and optimistic.
“It shows you the mentality we want and not being faced with outside noise. He’s a great guy and has such a big heart. I enjoyed playing under him.”
With Tom Decent, Dan Walsh and Chris Barrett
