Why it's trending
The news trended because Laurie Daley ended days of speculation by confirming on live radio that he would not coach NSW in 2027, and Nine immediately reported that Matt King was finalising a two-year deal to replace him. This came after Daley had denied a News Corp report that health issues prompted his exit, and only weeks after NSW's dramatic Origin series win in Brisbane.
Matt King has won the NSW Blues coaching job after Laurie Daley decided to step aside following this year's State of Origin triumph. Nine's Danny Weidler reported a two-year deal was being finalised on Monday with King, who played nine Origins for NSW and was Daley's senior assistant. Daley confirmed his resignation earlier on Sky Sports Radio's Big Sports Breakfast, saying 'it's just the right time' for someone else to lead the team.
Multiple sources align on the core story, with The Canberra Times reporting Daley 'publicly endorsed assistant coach Matt King as his replacement' after steering NSW to a 2-1 series victory in Brisbane. The Sydney Morning Herald added that King 'will take over as the Blues' State of Origin coach,' citing sources not authorised to speak publicly. All three outlets agree Daley denied suggestions his health was a factor, which News Corp had reported and Daley quickly rejected.
Daley's exit caps a turbulent second stint as NSW coach. He first led the Blues for five series from 2013, breaking Queensland's eight-year streak with a 2014 win. He returned in 2025 after Michael Maguire joined the Broncos, but NSW lost a home decider that year. In 2026, Daley's Blues stunned Queensland in the Suncorp Stadium decider, which NSWRL boss Dave Trodden called one of the greatest Origin wins ever.
King's promotion continues a steady rise through coaching ranks. He worked under Maguire at South Sydney and has been with the Roosters for a decade, with Brad Fittler noting he 'spent his apprenticeship under some good coaches.' Whether King can carry the Blues' momentum into 2027 remains to be seen, but his immediate challenge will be managing dual club and Origin commitments with the Roosters.
Timeline
- NSW wins Origin series decider
The Blues defeat Queensland in game three at Suncorp Stadium to win the series 2-1. Daley later says he wanted time to reflect before deciding his future.
- Health report denied
News Corp reports Daley is quitting due to health concerns. Daley quickly denies the claim after concerned family members contact him.
- SMH foreshadows Daley exit
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Daley will confirm on Monday he won't coach NSW, and that his replacement could be known by Wednesday.
- Daley confirms resignation, endorses King
Daley announces on Sky Sports Radio's Big Sports Breakfast that he is stepping down. Nine's Danny Weidler reports King's two-year deal is being finalised.
Questions people ask
Why is Laurie Daley stepping down as NSW coach?
Daley says it is 'just the right time' for someone else to lead the team. He denied reports that health issues were behind his decision, saying he wanted to make a considered choice after the series win rather than on emotion.
Who is Matt King?
Matt King is a 45-year-old former Blues outside back who played nine State of Origin games from 2005-2007 and won 10 Kangaroos caps. He played in the NRL for Melbourne and South Sydney, and has been an assistant coach with the Blues and the Sydney Roosters, where he has worked for a decade.
Will Matt King continue with the Roosters while coaching NSW?
SMH reports it is unclear if King will continue full-time with the Roosters next season, but there is no rule against being a club assistant and an Origin coach at the same time.
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