NSW Blues Could Turn To Laurie Daley To Replace Brad Fittler, After Ricky Stuart Pulls Out Of The Race
After several candidates, including Ricky Stuart, withdrew from consideration to replace Brad Fittler, the NSW Blues are considering bringing back an ex-coach.
The coaching positions for New South Wales have been formally declined by Ricky Stuart and Matt Johns, with Melbourne's Craig Bellamy poised to follow suit.
This unexpectedly positions former NSW captain Laurie Daley as a leading candidate for the state's highest office.
Many people have suggested Stuart, Bellamy, and even Johns as viable alternatives to replace Brad Fittler, who recently left the team.
The rumors about Stuart have died down because he wants to give his full attention to Canberra in 2024, and the administration at Penrith has already shot down rumors that Ivan Cleary may coach NSW.
Stuart's decision was relayed to NSWRL CEO David Trodden on Wednesday afternoon by Canberra CEO Don Furner.
The administration at Melbourne wouldn't stop Bellamy from coaching NSW, but they don't think the elite coach wants to go back into the Origin fire.
"Rick is very passionate about NSW and Origin, however, he is very aware that we have had a lot of experience leave our club on the field over the last couple of years," said Raiders CEO Don Furner.
We have a young team next year, and Rick must devote himself fully to coaching. He needs to put Origin first, no matter how much he enjoys it.
Johns texted this header, "Too busy mate. The only day I don't work is Saturday. I'd be happy if I lost every job I have tomorrow.
As the saying goes, "Origin coaching is more than just three games a year and not a job for the extremely part time."
After losing star five-eighth Jack Wighton to South Sydney and veteran captain Jarrod Crocker to retirement, Stuart was the clear favorite, but he knows the Raiders need to rebuild.
Moreover, Elliott Whitehead and Jordan Rapana are entering what will most likely be their final season.
The Storm organization fully understands the significant time commitment required of an Origin coach.
Bellamy is well-liked by the club's members, so they wouldn't mind helping him obtain the coveted position of coaching New South Wales (NSW), but this seems more doubtful at this point.
Although he hasn't said so publicly, Daley is reportedly keeping tabs on the opening for the mayor's position. His friendships with Stuart and Bellamy have not waned.
There have been a number of names bandied about as potential coaches, including Michael Ennis, Matt King, John Cartwright, Geoff Toovey, and Jason Ryles.
Daley, co-host of the TAB-owned radio show Big Sports Breakfast on Sky Sports Radio, was barred from coaching posts with Wests Tigers and Manly in the past due to the NRL's policy on anyone with ties to gambling agencies.
However, the NRL declined to comment on Wednesday, therefore the Blues position will be settled by the NSWRL board.
While coaching NSW, Daley won a historic series in 2014 against the unstoppable Queensland team, who had just won their eighth consecutive championship.
Stuart's departure is a blow to Blues management because there is no more devoted New South Welshman. He was everyone's top pick.
It has been speculated that Bellamy would be interested in coaching for the New South Wales club in 2025, the year after it is anticipated that he will stand down as the head coach of the Melbourne club.
It startled me when Freddy withdrew, because I would have wanted to have been a part of his helping New South Wales, and I've stated all along that I'm always happy to assist where I can. I was prepared to help Freddy, and it surprised me when Freddy withdrew. I said it to The Big Sports Breakfast. "I've said all along that I'm always happy to help where I can."
"If someone thought I could be of assistance, I would volunteer my services in any capacity. Being a coach is one possibility; other possibilities include serving as a mentor or taking on a leadership position. I am always pleased to assist in any manner that I can.