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News.com.au
14-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Beaten NSW coach Laurie Daley still reeling nearly a week after losing series decider
The full post-mortem of NSW's State of Origin capitulation is yet to come, but beaten Blues coach Laurie Daley says he's still 'trying to recover' nearly a week after a Queensland ambush delivered the Maroons a remarkable series win. Daley, who took over from Michael Maguire who steered NSW to the shield in 2024, returned to his day job on Sydney radio on Monday, declaring that he would 'have to take full responsibility' after his team lost the final two games. Having already stated his intention to coach on in 2026, as per his contract, Daley conceded losing would haunt him for some time. 'I'm trying to recover from Wednesday night. It will take a while to get over. I've been reflecting,' Daley said. 'The first couple of days were tough. We expected a better performance, obviously, so I've been scratching my head (and asking) why? Why did we have a performance like that? 'That has to start with the coaches, me in particular. I've got to look at myself and make sure I go through what I did to see whether that was the best I could have done. 'As head coach, I have to take full accountability because I'm the leader. I get that, I understand that. 'Going on what I felt after the game, I'm still none-the-wiser because I was so happy with the way we prepared and went about it. 'We have to find out what happened and why we weren't ready to go out at our best.' Daley told the Big Sports Breakfast that there were staff meetings to come this week and other debriefs where all questions would be asked 'Coaches meetings to come, leadership meetings. There is a lot to still happen behind the scenes,' he said. 'You want to get it while it's fresh – the thoughts about the week, the game, what do we need to do better, why did we miss the jump? All those things.' The Blues carried injured players into the game, including Payne Haas and Brian To'o, but Daley defended the decision to take them into the decider. 'Brian and Payne had limited preparations in games one and two and they were players-of-the-match in games one and two,' Daley said. 'With that body of work behind them, you trust them. Look at Brian's performance, he was great. He carried the ball 25, 26 times.' Daley said nothing could change the result, but he would work to change the future. 'No matter what I say today, we have to fix what happened. It was disappointing, very disappointing, but what do you do? You've got to move forward,' he said 'There'll be times when you reflect and you go over things. 'You've got to front up.'
News.com.au
14-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Laurie Daley's blunt admission after State of Origin disaster
The full post-mortem of NSW's State of Origin capitulation is yet to come but beaten Blues coach Laurie Daley says he's still 'trying to recover' nearly a week after a Queensland ambush delivered the Maroons a remarkable series win. Daley, who took over from Michael Maguire who steered NSW to the shield in 2024, returned to his day job on Sydney radio on Monday, declared that he would ' have to take full responsibility' after his team lost the final two games. Having already stated his intention to coach on in 2026, as per his contract, Daley conceded losing would haunt him for some time. 'I'm trying to recover from Wednesday night. It will take a while to get over. I've been reflecting,' Daley said on Big Sports Breakfast. 'The first couple of days were tough. We expected a better performance, obviously, so I've been scratching my head (and asking) why? Why did we have a performance like that? 'That has to start with the coaches, me in particular. I've got to look at myself and make sure I go through what I did to see whether that was the best I could have done. 'As head coach, I have to take full accountability because I'm the leader. I get that, I understand that. 'Going on what I felt after the game, I'm still none-the-wiser because I was so happy with the way we prepared and went about it. 'We have to find out what happened and why we weren't ready to go out at our best.' Daley said there were staff meetings to come this week and other debriefs where all questions would be asked 'Coaches meetings to come, leadership meetings. There is a lot to still happen behind the scenes,' he said. 'You want to get it while it's fresh – the thoughts about the week, the game, what do we need to do better, why did we miss the jump. All those things.' The Blues carried injured players into the game including Payne Haas and Brian To'o but defended the decision to take them into the decider. 'Brian and Payne had limited preparations in games one and two and they were players-of-the-match in games one and two,' Daley said. 'With that body of work behind them, you trust them. Look at Brian's performance, he was great. He carried the ball 25, 26 times.' Daley said nothing could change the result, but he would work to change the future. 'No matter what I say today, we have to fix what happened. It was disappointing, very disappointing, but what do you do? You've got to move forward,' he said 'There'll be times when you reflect and you go over things. 'You've got to front up.'
News.com.au
12-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
NSW chiefs make call on Laurie Daley's coaching future after State of Origin disaster
Laurie Daley will remain the NSW Blues coach next year despite calls for him to be axed after Wednesday's 24-12 defeat saw the Origin shield head north. NSW has already had three coaches in three years – Brad Fittler, Michael Maguire and Daley – yet after losing the unlosable series, Blues fans were calling for the coach's head. But according to Code Sports, that won't be happening, with NSWRL chief executive Dave Trodden confirming his job is safe. 'Laurie is contracted for next year and we don't break contracts,' Trodden said. 'He was devastated after the game and we're all disappointed. 'But you don't achieve sustained success by constantly chopping and changing your coach. You settle on a plan, put processes in place and stick to it. That's what we'll be doing.' Daley stepped back into the Origin arena following an eight-year absence for the 2025 campaign. But he was once again thoroughly outcoached. The 55-year-old has now won just one of six series in charge and on each occasion has shown he is not willing to forego loyalty to make the hard call. Keeping the same 17 for the third and deciding game blew up in his face and backed up the theory that he is simply too nice and too loyal to succeed as a coach at Origin level. Michael Maguire shook things up last year and it led to immediate success. While this year Maroons coach Billy Slater found himself under pressure for the first time, after his side were comprehensively beaten at their Suncorp fortress. So what did he do? He pulled the trigger on several tough selection calls. The decision to drop captain Daly Cherry-Evans and bring in Tom Dearden at halfback after Game 1, is a call if roles were reversed Daley simply wouldn't have made. While he also resisted the temptation to replace the injured Kalyn Ponga with Reece Walsh, instead opting for the more consistent and reliable Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, an inspired decision. Daley on the other hand overlooked two form props in May and Koloamatangi, for King and Utoikamanu. So with Daley back at the helm in 2026, fans will undoubtedly hope he has learned from it. He will also be joined again next year by Storm coach Craig Bellamy and Melbourne's general manager of football Frank Ponissi.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Heartthrob steals the show at State of Origin - and he's not a footy player
The State of Origin decider may have been a nail-biter, but it was off the field that a new star truly stole the show. Social media went into a frenzy after Wednesday night's game, with legions of young women flocking to TikTok in a desperate bid to identify a certain dashing videographer. 'PLEASE TikTok gods find us this guy,' pleaded one fan, Regan Loveday, as she shared footage of the mystery man in a TikTok that racked up an astonishing 433,300 views in just 14 hours. The comments section exploded with fellow admirers, all trying to track down the young man who was seen on the pitch standing alongside the NSW Blues players in a navy tracksuit. Daily Mail Australia can confirm the overnight sensation is Lewis Coote, a fresh-faced 22-year-old videographer who was on duty filming the behind-the-scenes action. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'That's all I was thinking the whole time,' one viewer commented. 'I'm so glad this was a collective experience,' added another. 'Guys, the Blues were at my school training and that is the principal's son he's a sport photographer,' said a third. The video has racked up 83,000 likes and counting, with female Sydneysiders quick to band together to track down Lewis' identity. 'I will need his dad's number please,' one older viewer commented. But for those hoping to slide into his DMs, we've got some bad news. While Lewis himself took a little while to catch on to his newfound fame, his eagle-eyed girlfriend, Charli Bowers, was quick to spot the viral TikTok. She promptly delivered a crushing blow to her boyfriend's legion of new admirers: Mr Coote is very much off the market. 'That's my mannnnnnnns,' Charli commented on the video. Charli took the viral moment in good humour as she took to her own TikTok to share several videos dedicated to her beau. 'Guilty of not watching the game and just him,' she captioned an adorable video of her embracing her boyfriend after the game, adding: 'Forever and always the proudest of this boy.' The beautiful brunette then used a popular TikTok sound, which begins with the quote 'But daddy is a state of mind,' mashed up with lyrics from George Michael's Father Figure. 'To all the girlies who cooked and made the edit of my boyfriend,' Charli captioned a short video in which she holds her hands up in a praising motion and blows a kiss. 'New fav song on repeat thanks to Regan xoxo,' she captioned her shout-out. Viewers were quick to praise Charli for taking the public manhunt for her partner in good stride. 'You were so quick to it!! He's such a lucky man x,' one viewer commented, with Charli replying: 'He deserves the hype.' Even Regan, the original creator of the Lewis fan edit, reached out to her. 'So glad we got it sorted hehe, and you're welcome for the song,' she commented on Charli's response video.
News.com.au
10-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
NSW star's act of sheer class we all missed in emotional Origin decider
Laurie Daley and his NSW team have shown their class after Wednesday night's emotional State of Origin series decider in Sydney. An act by red-hot winger Brian To'o said it all as the Blues went out of their way to show support for enemy captain Cameron Munster — before, during and after the game, where Queensland completed a historic series comeback. Munster fell to his knees before being mobbed by teammates after the final siren sounded at Accor Stadium and he let the emotions pour out. Munster fought back tears during the post-game ceremonies after leading his team to victory just days after his father died. The Melbourne Storm playmaker was in camp with his Maroons teammates when his father Steven died on Saturday night. Munster only rejoined the team for the captain's run on Tuesday after spending time with his family grieving. A social media post shared by To'o before the game showed there were plenty of people in the Blues' dressing room feeling for their opposition captain. To'o carried a written tribute to Steven on his wrist during the game. His photo showed he had written 'Steven' on the strapping wrapped around his wrist, and also showed a cross and love heart symbols. It's one of many reasons Munster thanked his opponents for their support. 'Yeah look, it's a tough one,' Munster said. 'Like a high of emotions. I think when someone loses someone, you forget about it sometimes, but then it brings back memories and obviously, I just want to say thank you to all the rugby league community. They've been outstanding. 'I've had so much support and text messages from not only obviously rugby league, but also the NSW team, so just shows what kind of character those guys are and yeah, just forever grateful. 'And rugby league and that I think family is more important than anything and a lot of people showed that the last couple of days and really got behind me, so I want to say thank you to all those people and thanks for coming out tonight.' Munster was stoic but became emotional talking to his wife and kids. 'Thank you to my mum, my sister, my partner Bianca and the kids,' Munster said. 'I just want to say thank you for getting behind me this weekend. I know it's been a tough time, but yeah, I guess at the end of the day, that's life. 'And I just want to appreciate everyone that's been around me and make this week so special. And yeah, we'll enjoy it tonight and can't wait to obviously go next year and hopefully see what we can do. But thank you guys. Have a good night.' Earlier Munster paid tribute to the Blues for reaching out to him in a tough week. 'I'd just like to thank the NSW Blues, Isaah (Yeo), Nathan (Cleary), Laurie Daley and all the coaching staff and all the players,' Munster said. 'I just want to say I really appreciate some of you reaching out to me during the week. Just shows how good rugby league is. 'Family's bigger than the sport and yeah, I just want to say thank you for rallying behind me. It doesn't go unnoticed. And yeah, testament to all you guys as characters, I'm in awe of you. I'm in awe of all you guys and you'll be back bigger, better next year. 'Peter V'landys, Andrew Abdo just thanks for the spectacle, it's been a great series. 'To obviously the Queensland boys and the coaching staff. I love youse, I just want to say thanks for making it a great week. 'To NSW fans also, especially to Queensland fans back home and (here) tonight, thanks for coming tonight. It's always a great series, forever grateful.' Munster didn't think the Maroons had it won until the final whistle. 'I wouldn't say we had the game in the bag,' Munster said. 'You know, guys like Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Jarome Luai with the ball in hand, Latrell Mitchell, Stephen Crichton. You just know when they got the ball they can create anything. 'So look, in those last five minutes, I've seen them dominate grand finals, they've come back from big losses. And yeah they did it in game two. 'And look we went away a little bit at the (end). We made it work. You know the saying goes you work hard you get lucky, so it felt like our group worked really hard tonight. And yeah we've got those 5050s.' Munster wrote himself a little bit of history by becoming the fourth Queenslander to win his first series as captain, joining Darren Lockyer, Trevor Gillmeister and Cameron Smith. Andrew Johns paid tribute to Munster's heroic performance. 'Well, Queensland supporters, your skipper, he's played one for the ages,' Johns said. 'The passing of his father, Steven, the courage to play but also wanting to play. He's inspired his teammates they've lifted. They've no doubt they've lifted for the Munster family. 'Cameron Munster knew the importance of captaining Queensland. It's been some performance.' Cameron Smith also paid tribute to Munster. 'Just look at those pictures on screen, Cam Munster, been a tough three or four days for him and his family,' Smith said. 'Being able to put all that aside. Such tragic circumstances. You see Dylan Edwards there just going up to console him. 'All the NSW players. It's great to see. They battle it out for 80 minutes, but at the end of the day, we're all mates.'
