‘Don’t want to answer’: Strongest hint yet Daley will walk away

Laurie Daley is unlikely to coach NSW next year as the Blues face a coaching conundrum ahead of the 2027 series.

Daley has fulfilled his two-year agreement with the Blues, and judging by his comments after the game and on Thursday morning, he is long-odds to remain in the job next series, despite the emotional game three victory.

“I’ve got my mind made up what I want to do. Look I’ve enjoyed it, but we’ll see what happens,” he said on Thursday.

Asked specifically if he’d already decided he was moving on, Daley said: “I don’t want to answer.

“I knew what I wanted to do coming into this series, for me, you don’t change course, it’s like I said at the start of the campaign - my focus was just on game, game, game. So I know what I want to do.”

Many in the NRL world interpreted Daley’s comments as a strong hint he was about to resign from a coach who did not want to take the shine off the players’ historic effort just hours after it happened.

“If we are trying to read anything into that answer, Loz won’t be coaching next year,” NSW great Greg Alexander said on SEN.

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It doesn’t take a genius to realise Daley was hurt by the commentary during the series about his competence as a coach, which led to reported claims that Blues players had concerns about him motivating the team.

That could seriously impact NSW in next year’s series and moving forward.

Signing Daley to a one-year deal would be of huge benefit for the NSWRL, before Ivan Cleary finishes his duties with the Panthers in 2027.

Cleary has stated that he’d be interested in coaching representative football once his Penrith deal is up.

While Daley is unlikely to go around again, Blues officials are left with the unenviable task of trying to sign a coach for only one year, before a man who is likely their preferred candidate becomes available.

That’s unless the NSWRL lobbies the Panthers to have Cleary available for next year’s series, which would create an opportunity for assistant and Panthers coach-in-waiting, Peter Wallace, to get some experience in the role before sinking his teeth in the following year.

Such a move would be a first for the NRL, but the Blues need to be creative if they want to avoid a gap year next series.

If Cleary had a chance to take the reins next year, it would create a sense of security for NSW officials and familiarity for the players, knowing he’s the long-term option.

If Daley stayed for another year, that sense of familiarity would remain before Cleary ushered in a new era, assuming he’s the preferred candidate and the Blues get their man.

However, there’s word that former NSW playmaker Trent Barrett has been floated as a possible candidate for the job next year.

Ex-Blues players have been pushing for Barrett to get a chance, after a number of years as an assistant following a couple of failed stints as a head coach in the NRL.

Matt King is also highly regarded by NSW bosses and served as an assistant to Daley. Boyd Cordner is viewed as a possible option down the road.

Whoever is picked to fill the void must contend with the fact that Cleary is likely the man NSW officials want in the role.

If Barrett gets the nod – he would go in knowing he’s probably keeping the seat warm for the four-time premiership winning coach.

For a coach looking to elevate his reputation within the coaching sphere and players looking to defend the shield, it’s hardly a recipe for success.