The NSWRL was expected to meet today to discuss the future of Blues coach Laurie Daley, and apparently those conversations weren’t positive.

According to Channel 7 reporter Josh Massoud, Daley has been sacked as coach of the Blues (though given his contract had already expired, “won’t have his contract renewed” would have been more accurate).

That adds the New South Wales Origin position to the Titans job as vacant head coaching positions, while speculation continues to mount about the future of Des Hasler at the Bulldogs.

Early speculation for the Blues job listed Brad Fittler and Craig Fitzgibbon as potential candidates.

Related NRL News & Posts:

• Daley alludes to possible Blues return
• NSWRL deny Daley decision made
• Daley to get another 12 months
• NSWRL chairperson backs Daley to stay
• Pub boss calls Blues ‘scandal’ “a complete exaggeration”

As speculation intensifies on the future of Laurie Daley as coach of the Blues, Daley has spoken publicly for the first time since the Blues’ Game 3 ass-whooping.

According to AAP, Daley has told Fox Sports’ NRL 360 that he’s enjoyed coaching New South Wales, and that he believes the Blues can beat Queensland under his watch – if he chooses to continue.

“I’ve loved every minute of coaching New South Wales,” Daley said. “I really enjoy the group of players that we have, I believe in them.”

“I think we’re closing the gap on Queensland.”

“We’ve beaten Queensland before under my watch, and we’ll do it again, if I’m there.”

At this point, it shouldn’t even be a question that the Blues are “closing the gap on Queensland” – the Maroons have had one of the greatest rugby league teams of all time for the past decade, as natural attrition takes its course, it’s inevitable that the Maroons will regress back toward the mean.

Rather, the argument should be about whether or not Daley deserves the opportunity, after losing four of the past five series. Daley probably deserved a pass for a few of his early losses, given the exceptional standard of his opposition. However, the 2017 Maroons don’t hold a candle to some of their line-ups from the past decade, and they still smoked the Blues when it mattered, in Game 3.

We completely agree that given sufficient opportunities, Daley could eventually win another series. As to whether or not he’s the best man for the job; we’re not so sure.

Related NRL News & Posts:

• NSWRL deny Daley decision made
• Daley to get another 12 months
• NSWRL chairperson backs Daley to stay
• Pub boss calls Blues ‘scandal’ “a complete exaggeration”
• Kimmorley questions Blues’ preparation for the future

You can put down your pitchforks (for now).

Contrary to last night’s report that the Blues coach Laurie Daley is set to be offered another 12 months in the role, the NSWRL have moved quickly to distance themselves from that report (possibly sensing the public backlash), with a NSWRL spokesperson saying that a decision is yet to be made.

According to AAP, the spokesperson confirmed that the board will meet today, but only on an informal basis, to discuss the series review.

She reportedly said that no timeframe has been placed on the coaching decision.

Related NRL News & Posts:

• Daley to get another 12 months
• NSWRL chairperson backs Daley to stay
• Stuart may be an option for Blues
• Pub boss calls Blues ‘scandal’ “a complete exaggeration”
• Kimmorley questions Blues’ preparation for the future