- Laurie Daley named NSW Blues Origin coach for second time
- Queensland great Corey Parker was stunned
- Parker called the decision “left field”, he would have looked elsewhere
Queensland Origin great Corey Parker has loudly questioned NSW’s “bizarre” decision to give Laurie Daley a second chance as head coach.
Daley, 55, was previously in charge of the Blues between 2013 and 2017, winning just one interstate series.
But after Michael Maguire replaced Kevin Walters as Brisbane NRL coach in October, the coveted coaching position was up for grabs.
Daley got the nod ahead of players like Matt King and Michael Ennis, and Parker, who appeared for the Maroons in 19 games between 2004 and 2016, was stunned.
“I was a little surprised,” he told SEN radio on Tuesday.
‘Laurie came up against a really formidable Queensland team during that first period where we saw eight consecutive series wins for Queensland.
“He’s left field for me. He’s been there and done that and I guess it suits the higher powers.
“I thought there was a real opportunity to go with someone like Matt King, Michael Ennis or Brett White. “One of these younger guys who have been within the systems week in and week out outside of the NRL sides.
Queensland Origin great Corey Parker has questioned NSW’s “bizarre” decision to give Laurie Daley a second chance as head coach.
Daley was previously in charge of the Blues between 2013 and 2017, and is convinced he has learned from previous mistakes.
‘You just have to look at Billy Slater and his innovative ideas and what he’s been able to bring to Queensland over the last few seasons… Billy had no head coach (experience) and he managed (Queensland) beautifully.
“I think it was a strange call from New South Wales if I’m being fair and brutally honest.”
Parker admitted having Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy as his top advisor could prove a masterstroke for Daley and NSW.
“(Daley) brings great passion and great belief in the Blues jersey, but from a coaching perspective he has been out of the loop for some time,” Parker added. That’s why you need someone like Craig Bellamy.
“It’s what’s between the ears…Collectively, as a unit, people need to believe in the Blues jersey.”
‘Don’t underestimate what Bellamy does for this team. As long as Daley is the head coach, Bellamy commands respect.
Daley has also confirmed he will be checking in with Maguire to see what went well in camp last year, and the team will once again be based in the NSW Blue Mountains in the run-up to the three games.
When it comes to selections, Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell is likely to return to the centers with Manly’s Tom Trbojevic, provided both are fit and proper, with Daley happy with Nathan Cleary or Mitch Moses as his halfback of first choice.