'Let a lot of people down': Laurie Daley reflects on State of Origin 'failure' as second chance with Blues awaits

In the NSW Blues history, just five coaches have been given a second chance at leading the team - and after his first stint "failure", Laurie Daley never expected to be on that list.

Sixteen coaches have taken on the top job in the Origin arena, with NSWRL only offering Ted Glossop, Phil Gould, Frank Stanton and Ricky Stuart a second chance

Having won just one of five series as a coach, the likelihood of Daley returning to the role seemed slim, but the 55-year-old never lost hope.

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Faced with the challenge of the most powerful team ever assembled at Origin level, Daley's first stint at the helm of the Blues was filled with disappointment.

Daley was axed from his duties in 2017 following back-to-back defeats, with NSW great Brad Fittler named as his replacement and turning the side's fortunes around. .

Speaking candidly on Sky Sports Radio's Big Sports Breakfast after being unveiled as the coach for 2025, Daley

"When I was sacked, I never thought I'd get another opportunity," he said.

"There's no doubt that you feel like you let a lot of people down. You feel like a failure.

"That's what happens in big positions, when you don't have the success that you want to have but you've also [got to be] realistic at the same time.

"Looking back over the period that I coached, were there things I would do differently? Yes, there would be. But sometimes, you learn and make mistakes on the run.

"No one's ever perfect. No one will ever always coach the perfect game. But I think you analyse yourself harder than anyone else."

The three-time premiership winner will not be returning to the Origin arena alone, naming former Blues and current Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy as a part of his team.

While Bellamy's return is not in the same form as Daley's, his role is one that reminded the NSW coach of the moment that reignited his passion for the Blues.

"I must say, it was the start of 2023 and Freddy was in discussions with extending his contract," he began.

"I sat down with Freddy and he wanted me to come and be a part of his coaching set up. I sort of said, 'right, what do you want me to do?' We discussed what we were about to do and In think from that conversation, it actually lit the fire inside me again.

"I was quite excited to be back being involved. I thought about not actually thinking there would be another opportunity.

"I just thought I'd love to stay a part of (the footy world), I want to get back into coaching and I think I've got something to offer.

"As it turned out, Freddie pulled out and we never got to the situation of being able to go ahead with it ... And then Madge (Michael Maguire) got the job."

The Canberra great noted that he was not excluded from Maguire's Blues camp, asked to speak with the team twice ahead of their series victory.

Daley revealed the pathway to his return seemed to be near impossible due to his role with TAB as he had previously been forced to turn down opportunities with clubs in a consultancy position.

"I've always had a barrier because of my relationship and work with TAB," said Daley.

"This time around, I've had to stand down from part of my role. I'm still allowed to do radio, I wouldn't have taken the position if I had to stand down from radio.

"I made that very clear. I will take time off once the campaign starts to be involved with Origin, but I'm still able to continue on in this role which was a non-negotiable.

"The circumstances surrounding how it's all unfolded, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. To be able to be back doing something that I (love), I feel very privileged and honoured to be a part of it."

Daley will also have the likes of Dean Young and Brett White on his staff next year.