'No doubt': Laurie Daley backs Terrell May for Origin future after 'clearing the air' with Tigers star

Laurie Daley believes there is "no doubt" Terrell May will play for the NSW Blues one day after a recent meeting with the Wests Tigers star.

May's omission was a major talking point heading into game one, especially after his live stream comments regarding missing out on the State of Origin squad.

While it was denied by coach Daley that the comments had anything to do with the call, it did lead plenty within the game to question May's character and attitude.

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The front-rower was again left out of the Blues squad for game two, with selectors opting for Stefano Utoikamanu on the bench, while Keaon Koloamatangi and Lindsay Smith were both included in the wider 20-man squad.

However, when asked about May's ambitions to represent his state and a recent meeting with him, Daley had nothing but positive things to say.

"It was great just to sit there and talk to Terrell," he said.

"I'd never met Terrell before, but I found him to be a really good fella. I had a cuppa with him, I won't go into detail about what we spoke about, but he was good as gold.

"It was good to clear the air and there's no hard feelings from my end and no hard feelings from his end. He's a guy that's very passionate about playing for NSW and a guy that will no doubt get an opportunity in the Blues at some point.

"If he keeps working hard for the Tigers, I have no doubt that at some stage he will find himself in this team. He's gotta keep playing well and his opportunity will come."

May has been enormous for the joint venture since his move from the Sydney Roosters, sitting near the top of the Dally M leaderboard before voting went behind closed doors.

Another player who won't be part of the Blues squad this time around is Manly enforcer Haumole Olakau'atu, who withdrew from camp ahead of the birth of his child.

Watch the 2025 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Daley revealed that those within the NSW set-up took the decision out of his hands.

"We just didn't think it was fair for him, worrying about the birth of a child and trying to concentrate for a State of Origin game," he said.

"We just sort of took it out of his hands and said you're better off to be around family. At the end of the day, family is more important than a game of footy.

"He wants us to do well, but he will put himself back in the frame because he's such a wonderful player."

NSW will look to wrap up the series with a 2-0 lead next Wednesday at Optus Stadium.