Blues stars – Multiple NSW Blues players are reported to be underwhelmed by Laurie Daley’s coaching and pre-match addresses, with criticism tied to slow starts in recent State of Origin matches. The pressure lands on the eve of game two after an electrifying game one where
NSW Blues players heading into game two are carrying more than just the usual weight of a State of Origin series—some are reportedly questioning whether their coach, Laurie Daley, can lift them in the moments that matter most.
The concern centers on Daley’s pre-match addresses and how his message lands in the lead-up to kickoff. Multiple Blues players have been underwhelmed by Daley’s coaching, and that dissatisfaction has been linked to slow starts in previous games, a pattern that has become hard to ignore.
In the first half of the last three Origin matches, the Cockroaches have been outscored 66-12 by their opponents. The numbers are stark enough on their own, but the wider context is what’s fueling frustration inside the camp.
Queensland opened game one of this year’s series with a devastating burst. sprinting to a 20-0 lead at Accor Stadium. The Maroons were on track for another famous win away from home—until Kalyn Ponga was controversially sent off in the 57th minute. With a one-man advantage for 23 minutes, NSW’s response was immediate. The Blues recovered from a 20-6 deficit to clinch a thrilling victory.
Even that win hasn’t erased the wider worry about how NSW begins matches under Daley. The coach, for all his legacy as one of the state’s greatest ever players, has a record that continues to be challenged. Daley has claimed victory in just one of his six series in charge of the Blues.
Most of Daley’s coaching tenure has come during periods when Queensland fielded what’s widely regarded as Origin’s greatest-ever teams. featuring stars like Darren Lockyer. Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith. The one series victory came in 2014, a year that broke Queensland’s stranglehold after they had won eight consecutive titles.
Daley’s credibility has also taken hits in 2026 beyond match-day concerns. Negative rhetoric about him first gathered momentum this year after he made an embarrassing mistake when announcing his squad for Game 1. The coach tried to reveal Penrith Panthers star Casey McLean as part of his group. but misspoke and said Casey ‘Maguire’.
As criticism has intensified through the 2026 series, Daley has found an ally in his former NSW teammate Andrew Johns. Johns pointed out a side of Daley’s coaching and football knowledge that many outside observers overlook. saying: “As far as football intelligence. people totally underestimate Loz.”.
Johns added: “Laurie doesn’t promote himself. Every coach. even the greatest. has at least one journalist promoting them. defending them. pointing out their achievements. writing a favourable narrative. Loz operates solo to his detriment. His own integrity is a handicap in the battle of public opinion. This series for Loz is of course about New South Wales pride but for him personally it’s about getting the respect he deserves.”.
The immediate tension now sits where Origin always demands answers—at the start. With first-half scoring in recent matches leaving NSW trailing 66-12 against opposition. and with Daley’s pre-match rev-ups now drawing scrutiny from within. the way the Blues come out in game two could decide whether this is a passing storm—or the start of a deeper problem they can’t afford.
NSW Blues Laurie Daley State of Origin game two Kalyn Ponga Accor Stadium Andrew Johns Casey McLean Darren Lockyer Johnathan Thurston Cameron Smith
If they’re already doubting him, that’s on coaching, simple.
Not to be dramatic but slow starts are like… the whole game sometimes. I don’t get why his “addresses” would matter if they just don’t play.
Wait so is the issue that Laurie Daley talks too much before kickoff or that they’re missing someone? Cause game one felt like they were down 20-0 then boom comeback, so kinda hard to say he’s the problem. Also that Ponga red card thing was sus, like if refs call it different NSW probably plays different. But yeah, if they start slow again then wow.
Laurie Daley was a legend as a player but coaching is a whole different ball game, I guess. 66-12 in the first half last three matches is insane, like how do you let that happen. And “the message lands”?? Sounds like they just don’t believe what he’s saying. I swear this series is always the same, NSW never shows up in the beginning then suddenly they remember they have bodies.