Daley’s response to critics after rollercoaster Blues win
Calls for NSW coach Laurie Daley to be sacked began to appear on social media at half-time of the State of Origin series opener but he was not rattled by the noise.
A miraculous comeback in the second half turned the series opener on its head as the Blues powered home to claim the first win of the series.
James Tedesco celebrates the winning try. Nine
But that still did not entirely silence critics who feared Daley’s time might be up.
“I am sure there would have been a lot of people thinking like that,” he told 9News’ Danny Weidler when informed that experts wanted him sacked by half-time in Origin I.
“That is just how the game rolls isn’t it ... (but) I understand it, I work in the media.”
While Daley was clearly not rattled by the external noise, he acknowledged the glaring errors his players must work on if they want to be in the fight against Queensland in game two.
“We know we can be a lot better,” Daley said.
Laurie Daley seen speaking with 9News Nine News
“And we know we have to be because Queensland will be a lot better.
“I was emotional (after the first 20 minutes). I stood up (in the coaches box) because it wasn’t the start we were after, and then it just kept happening, the same things.”
With team lists for game two set to be unveiled next week, there are a number of players who will be top of Daley’s mind as candidates to come into the squad.
Mitchell Moses is one of the biggest question marks for game two, given he is recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered during Blues camp.
He has not been named to play in the King’s Birthday match against the Bulldogs this week with the Parramatta Eels, which is not a promising sign.
Mitchell Moses in action at Blues game ahead of game one Getty
But the Blues coach still hopes Moses will be in contention.
Weidler questioned when Daley would expect Moses to be running by given how close he was to having to make the call on his game-two team.
“You want them, with a hamstring injury, coming to training ready to go because you want that confidence and they want that confidence,” Daley replied.
He is also on alert of the possible return of Payne Haas for the Blues.
“He is the best front-rower in the game,” Daley said.
“I thought he was enormous against the Dragons to punch out 80 minutes. That was impressive.”
Origin II will take place on Wednesday, June 17 in Melbourne.
