Daley, Strange to coach NSW Origin teams

Laurie Daley will return as Blues coach after being appointed to replace Michael Maguire, while John Strange takes over the NSW women's Origin job in 2025.

Daley, the former Raiders, NSW and Australian captain, replaces Michael Maguire, who steered the Blues to an historic series win this year but resigned to coach the Broncos.

He will retain key members of Maguire's off-field staff, including team performance manager Frank Ponissi, assistant coaches Matt King and Brett White, and Gilbert Enoka in his role as leadership coach.

In a significant appointment, Storm coach Craig Bellamy will take on a newly created role as advisor to the State of Origin coaching staff.

Bellamy will provide invaluable expertise and strategic guidance to the team, while helping to shape the Blues' preparation and performance in the 2025 State of Origin series.

Daley previously coached the Blues from 2013 to 2017, guiding the team to a series win in 2014 that ended eight years of Queensland domination.

"I am honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to coach the New South Wales Blues once again," Daley said.

"I have always been passionate about State of Origin and the pride that comes with representing New South Wales.

"I look forward to working with the players, staff, and supporters to achieve our goals. I am conscious of my responsibility to them, and I look forward to building on the great work of Madge last year to keep the shield in New South Wales."

Strange takes over from Kylie Hilder, who stood down after NSW's 2-1 loss in the first women's State of Origin series.

He is a two-time NRLW premiership winning coach with Sydney Roosters, taking the club to victory in this year's grand final and also in 2021.

With the women's Origin series being played before the 2025 NRLW season, Strange has the backing of the Roosters and the NSWRL to do both jobs.

"I am a lifelong Blues tragic and it is an incredible honour for me to be appointed into the role," Strange said.

"I look forward to working with the talented players available for selection with the aim of building an invincible Blues force for the 2025 season.”

Former Australian and NSW Women's Origin captain Ruan Sims will remain as an assistant coach.