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Sport Nation
What can the NSW Blues expect under the second stint of Daley?
Charles Goodsir • February 12th, 2025 12:58 pm
NSW head coach Laurie Daley has promised Blues supporters a new look side for the 2025 State of Origin series.
Daley, who previously coached NSW between the 2013-2017 series, will overtake the NSW side after former coach Michael Maguire led the team to a famous 2-1 series win in 2024.
Whilst there were several positives from NSW to take into the 2025 series, Daley said he would not try to replicate Maguire’s formula in order to retain the Origin trophy.
“I don’t think you can just rinse and repeat what you have done before,” Daley told SEN 1170.
“You have to put your own flavour on certain things.
“There were plenty of things that (the 2024 NSW team) did well and there will be things we take into the campaign this year.
“There won’t be too many things that are different but it will largely just be a different voice.
“I’ve got a different idea on how I want to run things and what we (the coaching staff) want to do.
“For me, I’m really big on people that put in and play with effort. I’ve told the players I know what they can do with or without the ball. I want to see how they react in certain situations.
“All those things don’t require talent.”
Daley also hinted at a change from Jake Trbojevic as NSW captain to one of several senior players set to don the Blues jumper.
“Issah Yeo captained Australia last year and Stephen Crichton has been with the Bulldogs and has done a fantastic job,” Daley added.
“Nathan Cleary has also been a sensational player for a number of years.
“You don’t pick a captain until you know what side you have (but) we are lucky that we have got some great leaders in the group.”
After losing the opening match in 2024, NSW stormed back to clinch the series thanks largely to Parramatta Eels halfback Mitch Moses who put together two stellar performances in Game II and Game III to clinch the Origin shield.
Moses will likely make way for Nathan Cleary in 2025 but Daley is adamant he can fit both playmakers into the starting side.
“Nathan is the best halfback in the game but what Mitch Moses did last year was amazing," He said.
“I thought he was special in particular with his kicking game. He’ll be considered not only as a seven.
“If he was playing well enough, I would even consider him as a six.”
NSW begin their title defence on May 28 in Game I of State of Origin at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
