NSW stars have leapt to the defence of coach Laurie Daley, revealing the chance to prove his critics wrong will provide extra motivation to clinch the series against Queensland in Brisbane.
The State of Origin series is level at one-all, with the Blues still a chance to secure a rare series win at Suncorp Stadium on July 8. However, the blowtorch has been applied to Daley for his selections, the use of his bench and the performance of a Blues side that hasn’t played to its potential.
Daley’s coaching record across two Origin stints is one series win from six attempts, and the loss in Melbourne was his 12th in charge, surpassing Maroons mentor Wayne Bennett for most defeats. However, his charges have launched a staunch defence of the former Raiders pivot ahead of what is likely to be his last game at the helm.
“Yeah, for sure, because it’s on us,” said prop Payne Haas when asked if the Daley pile-on was unfair.
“We’re the ones who went out there and didn’t perform at a standard that NSW requires. We didn’t do that, so it’s a bit unfair on Loz …
“Loz is a great person and obviously to do it for someone like that, you want to do that.
“We’ll be taking it day by day, but looking to get a result for him … Obviously he’s copped it a bit from everyone and to do it for him and do it for this group here.
“Lot’s been said about our group and how we don’t get Origin and stuff like that. To go up there and have an opportunity to try and prove everyone wrong, it means the world.”
Daley opted to stick with Mitchell Moses as his five-eighth despite a push for Ethan Strange, one of the stars from game one, to start in the position.
“He’s got our full support, he’s got the playing group’s support, he’s got everyone’s support,” Moses said of Daley.
“We’re right behind Loz and all the decisions he’s made. We’ll just go out there and try and perform and clinch the series.”
Robson was another incumbent to retain his spot despite some pundits calling for a change at dummy half.
“I’ve been asked a few times about Loz and for me, it’s just his care factor and what he brings as a coach,” Robson said.
“His approach is just to give you full belief in yourself and as a player to go out and get your job done.
“The experience that I’ve had with Loz has been unreal. Origin is the first time I’ve had any coaching from him but he and the staff, you can’t fault them.
“We’re lucky to have guys like Loz who have played and coached in Origin for a long time, they know what it takes and it’s on us as players to get the job done.”
Daley is contracted until the end of this series, but has declined to discuss whether he is keen to continue. Halfback Nathan Cleary marvelled at Daley’s ability to be unaffected by the outside noise.
“He’s super resilient,” Cleary said. “Even just coming into camp, he’s there with a smile, he’s energetic and upbeat.
“That goes to show you the mentality we want and not run into all that outside noise. He’s a fantastic bloke and he’s got such a big heart. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing under him.”
With Tom Decent, Dan Walsh and Chris Barrett
