The 2026 State of Origin series is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Laurie Daley's coaching career, with rumors swirling that his time as the NSW coach could be coming to an end. As the series approaches, the pressure is mounting on Daley, who has faced criticism for his team selections and overall performance. With a contract that expires at the end of this series, Daley's future is uncertain, and the question on everyone's mind is: will he stick around for another term?
Personally, I think the toll of coaching an Origin series is taking its toll on Daley. The 56-year-old has won just seven of 18 games in charge of NSW, and the pressure of leading the Blues is taking its toll. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between Daley's decision to rip up the team and start again, and the fact that he has previously declared he is not a "career coach". This raises a deeper question: is Daley's approach sustainable, or is he burning out?
One thing that immediately stands out is the potential impact of Ivan Cleary's decision to step away from Penrith. As the NSWRL looks for a new coach, the question is: should they pursue Cleary, who has expressed an interest in a representative role? In my opinion, the NSWRL should make the phone call. Even an NRL club looking for a coach in 2028 should call him, even though he's said he won't go back to club land. What he's been able to do at Penrith has been magnificent, and he is one of the game's greatest.
However, the major problem facing the NSWRL would be if Daley walks away at the end of this series, and Cleary isn't available until 2028. As it stands, NRL rules prevent active club coaches from leading Origin sides, meaning Cleary could not take the reigns next year as he will still be in charge of Penrith. This means if Daley elects to leave his post, NSW still may need to find a one-year solution before Cleary is available.
From my perspective, the NSWRL has a difficult decision to make. They must consider the short-term and long-term implications of Daley's potential departure, and the impact it could have on the team's performance. What many people don't realize is that the NSWRL has a responsibility to the players and fans to make the right decision, even if it means making a difficult choice. If you take a step back and think about it, the NSWRL has a duty to ensure the team's success, and that may mean making a bold move to secure a top-tier coach like Cleary.
In conclusion, the 2026 State of Origin series is a critical moment for Laurie Daley and the NSWRL. As the series approaches, the pressure is mounting, and the question of Daley's future is on everyone's mind. What this really suggests is that the NSWRL has a difficult decision to make, and they must consider the short-term and long-term implications of Daley's potential departure. Personally, I think the NSWRL should make the phone call and pursue Ivan Cleary, but only if they are prepared to make a bold move and secure a top-tier coach for the team's future success.
