'He was out-coached': Mitchell Pearce reveals key detail in Origin plan that split Laurie Daley from Billy Slater

Former NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce believes Laurie Daley was simply "out-coached" by Billy Slater in the State of Origin series decider.

Daley will be looking to find an answer to stop Queensland over the next few months as he prepares to lead the team into the 2026 series.

But his playing group's strategy for game three proved not strong enough to halt Slater's Maroons as they suffered a troubling 24-12 loss in front of a home crowd.

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Several contentious calls were made by the Maroons coach throughout the series including axing his skipper and bringing Josh Papali'i out of representative retirement.

However, those bold choices ultimately lead his group to claiming the Origin Shield.

"I think everyone in the state would be hurting," Pearce said of the Blues' defeat on the Sixes and Sevens Podcast.

"As ex-players you know how disappointing and deflating it is, not only for the fans and everyone in the state but also the players.

"I think the most deflating thing for the players (is) they'd be shaking their heads thinking 'what the f--k just happened?' That was the first thing I was thinking after the game."

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Daley had the added pressure of replicating the success of former coach Michael Maguire's triumphant series last year when he stepped into the role for the second time in his career.

Of his time in charge, Daley has won just one of his six series with the Blues.

"I've got to put it straight out, I think we got out-coached," continued Pearce.

"I think Billy Slater came in with a plan. The game plan was to shut down our edges with quick line speed. Clearly their edge defence was outstanding for 80 minutes, it was relentless.

"When you lose, everyone criticises your best players ... they took out all our best players. Cleary, Lomax - he had no room to move. Our forwards were f---ed.

"It was caused by pressure from Queensland and lack of possession for us.

"(Reece) Robson came off in the 53rd minute and made 41 tackles, that is unheard of.

"No one can win a game when you're on the back of that much possession (and) it was all from the system and coaching of Queensland."

Todd Carney, Pearce's NSW halves partner during the 2012 State of Origin series, noted the difference between both coaches discussion on their game plans leading up to the game set the tone for the mindsets of their playing group.

"Even before the game, Billy spoke about his plan and what he was going into the game for," he said.

"Loz spoke about the great week they've had in camp. He didn't really speak about what the team was going to do in the night.

"Queensland was always talking about how they had a plan to combat NSW in some way. We just went with the same, 'we've had a great week' (discussion)."

Post-match, Daley remained confident he is the man that can lead the Blues to success in 2026 and declared he was happy with how the side had built up over the series.

But such comment did not sit well with Pearce.

"I think where we're at now as a squad where we've got young, fresh players that building is not relevant," Pearce said.

"Every year you basically win or you lose ... it's not an NRL club where you rebuild. You can't build from year to year. There's no time to build.

"You've got players available and depth in positions. It's now or never really, isn't it?

"Everyone's talking about how good our roster is. We ain't building. We need to deliver... we've got the calibre there."