Laurie Daley has hit back at “made-up” claims that he was putting his players to sleep in what will now go down as one of the most memorable series wins in State of Origin history.
Watch every game of every round of the NRL Premiership LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Daley was heavily criticised throughout the series but had the last laugh after NSW shocked Queensland in the Suncorp Stadium decider, with the Blues coach later hitting out at “hidden agendas” in his post-game press conference.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Dave Trodden, chief executive of the New South Wales Rugby League, also called out some of the “nonsense” criticism Daley copped throughout the series and singled out one report about the Blues coach’s pre-game speeches.
Daley had not specifically addressed that report until Monday morning, where he made his regular appearance on the Big Sports Breakfast.
“If I was putting people to sleep, I think one of my strengths is not that,” Daley said.
“I don’t want to get involved at that level but we have some really powerful discussions and upbeat talks. It annoys me when people who don’t know, haven’t got a clue (and) haven’t been in and around the preparation just write articles.
“When you hear it you just go, ‘That’s just made up’ and then people hear it and believe it and take it as truth.
“You reckon Nathan Cleary needs a rev? You reckon yelling and screaming is going to help him play?”
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
“I don’t know HOW you miss this?!” | 05:50
Meanwhile, Daley also said claims he was handed the job largely because of his pre-existing relationship with Trodden were “wrong”.
“It’s just a throwaway line as far as I’m concerned,” Daley added.
“I know what I brought to the job. Dave is an exceptional CEO. He’s a guy that has led New South Wales now for a number of years.
“He’s very supportive of me, very supportive of anyone that works for NSW Rugby League and provides you the environment that you need to get the best out in everyone. So he was always in my corner.”
It was not just Trodden either, with Daley revealing the solidarity within the Blues — from players to staff — was what he “enjoyed most” looking back on the series.
“Just the way that everyone galvanised and stayed together and grew strength out of that,” Daley said.
“The coaching staff were terrific. They were able to take a bit of pressure off me. They were able to sort of help. They were there for support, guidance and that’s what I was most proud of, the way that we all stuck together.
“There were no fractures and everyone just aligned and (were) so supportive of each other and it just shows when you are like that is what you can do.”
Daley’s future as Blues coach is still up in the air, although it is largely expected that he will step down from the role and end on a high after what was a “consuming” series at the helm.
“It’s a massive experience being part of Origin. It’s just grown so much. It’s huge,” Daley added.
“I got shocked I think when I first came back in last year, the amount of exposure that it has. When you are living and breathing it for a certain period, you just understand but if you’re not you don’t understand. It’s consuming.”