This was published 9 years ago
Frontrunners to replace Laurie Daley as Blues State of Origin coach
WWOS staff
Brad Fittler
Fittler has said little about his desire to coach the Blues out of respect to Daley but it's said the former Blues captain is interested. Fittler will coach Lebanon at this year’s Rugby League World Cup, which will give his coaching skills a work out if he is to become the next Blues coach
Craig Bellamy
The Storm coach is regarded as one of the best in the game and may want to return to Origin level to avenge his loss to the Maroons. Channel Nine commentator Phil Gould has endorsed Bellamy as a potential candidate.
Geoff Toovey
Certainly has the experience at Origin level after proving to be a warrior for his state punching well above his weight every time he stepped foot on the field. He moved to England to coach Championship side Bradford late last year and might need some convincing to come back.
Des Hasler
The Bulldogs coach is under pressure to keep his job at Belmore but it still doesn't take away from the fact that Hasler is a respected coach. But if Hasler is moved on from Canterbury despite signing a new two-year deal, there's a chance he may want to take a rest from the NRL and coach rep footy.
Johns Cartwright
The Sea Eagles assistant and former Titans coach was hired by Daley late last year so it would be interesting to see if he tries to step over his old boss to get the gig. What might be telling is if the NSWRL decides to clean house entirely when hiring someone new, which generally happens.
Craig Fitzgibbon
The former Blues and Roosters forward has recently re-signed with the tri-colours as an assistant. The NSW Country Origin coach has proven his ability on the representative level and may feature in the coaching staff if deemed still a little green to take the top job.
Danny Buderus
Buderus coached the NSW under-20s team for the first time this year but ruled himself out a few months ago.
