'I'm a better coach': Second coming for Laurie Daley locked in as NSWRL unveils new Blues coaching team

Laurie Daley has been has been named as Michael Maguire's successor, taking on his second stint as head coach of the NSW Blues.

Daley will enter the role off the back of a historic series for the team under Michael Maguire, who stepped down from the role to take up a multi-year deal as head coach of the Broncos.

Daley was preferred ahead of the likes of Matt King, Paul McGregor and Danny Buderus for the role, with the Blues opting to take a more experienced route.

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"We are excited to welcome Laurie Daley back as the head coach of the NSW men's State of Origin team," NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.

"Laurie's extensive experience, both as a player and a coach, combined with his unwavering commitment to the success of the Blues, makes him the ideal candidate to lead our team into the future."

The 55-year-old declared his intent to continue building on the success that Maguire created with the team, looking to keep the State of Origin shield in NSW.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to coach NSW again," he said.

"I have a burning passion for the state. To be asked to do the job again, I feel very honoured.

"Michael Maguire did such a fantastic job last year and we are hoping to continue on with what he left behind.

"There are really positive signs for NSW after what they achieved this year. We will do the best job we can to represent our state."

Daley spent five series at the helm, winning with the Blues in 2014.

His first tenure in charge at State of Origin level came in the midst of Queensland's decade-plus dominance over the representative rivalry.

When asked if he believes he will enter his second stint at the helm as a better coach than he was seven years ago, Daley replied: "You'd like to think so."

"I'd like to think I'm a better coach. I'd like to think I've learned a lot.

"I never thought I would have the opportunity again but it has come about so I've accepted.

"I think as coaches, mentors, managers, whatever you do as a leader, you are always learning and that doesn't change through life.

"I don't think I have to get up to speed [with the changes to rules in the game].

"As a person who watches rugby league, if I see something (different) I will write it down.

"We know that Queensland will be ready to go next year. I don't think I've ever seen a weak Queensland team. They are always punching above their weight regardless of who is in their side."

Daley played 23 games for the Blues during his career.

Since leaving the job at the end of the 2017 series, Daley has continued to hold coaching roles with the Prime Minister's XIII and Indigenous All Stars.

He has also been a consistent media figure and TAB ambassador, which was seen as a major sticking point in negotiations with NSWRL.