Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Question: Is Ivan Cleary back as an adviser to the Blues? If no, who is it? – John. M
No he’s not. Ivan Cleary did have a role with Brad Fittler when he was Blues coach, sitting in the coach’s box on game day during the 2023 series. Last year, Craig Bellamy was Laurie Daley’s senior coaching advisor, but he decided earlier this year not to take up the post again. As a result there is no one in an official consulting capacity for NSW series and Daley is pressing on with his coaching staff, which includes the likes of Matt King, Brett White and Boyd Cordner, who work day-to-day for NRL clubs.
For your reference, the first try scorers for the three games last year were: Zac Lomax, Brian To’o and Xavier Coates.
Now it’s time for Maroons coach Billy Slater to have his say. Talking on debutant Sam Walker, Slater said he backed him to play his game.
Question: This NSW team doesn’t look as strong as the 2024 or 2025 teams. Is there a way to improve this team if NSW lose game one? – James
Yes. Injured stars Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Latrell Mitchell and Mitchell Moses should all hopefully be available for selection for game II. The quartet would have been automatic starters for the Blues if they weren’t in the casualty ward. Performances in game I will also dictate what the team looks like for game II. For instance, if Ethan Strange stars in a winning team, it could result in him retaining the five-eighth spot for the rest of the series. Jackson Ford, meanwhile, can count himself unlucky not to be picked and could force his way into the team. It will all come down to performances tonight and in coming weeks.
Blues coach Laurie Daley has spoken as we near kick-off at Accor Stadium. Asked about his plan for the interchange bench – including Blues firecracker Victor Radley – here’s what he had to say:
Question: Why is Laurie Daley NSW coach again? – Antony
Signed a two-year deal in December 2024, so probably only fair to give him a crack in 2025 and 2026. Has one series victory (2014) from six attempts for an overall win record of 39 per cent. It’s fair to say Daley is already under the pump, but a loss in Sydney tonight would only apply the blowtorch even further. What’s interesting is that even if the NSWRL wanted to move on from Daley, Ivan Cleary is the likely next man up but is still coaching Penrith next year. I’ve tipped the Blues to win the series though, so Daley might be fine.
Question: Sam Walker’s brilliance with the ball is undoubted, but doesn’t he seem a bit underdone and not a big enough body to suit Origin? – C Palmer
Underdone? Not sure about that, but naturally as the smallest body on the field, Walker’s going to be targeted defensively. Hudson Young is one of the best back-rowers in the game when it comes to terrorising opposition halves. If it’s wet and slippery on Wednesday night I think Walker could come into his own, particularly with his short kicking game. No-one pulls off those nightmarish, pin-balling grubbers on a greasy surface better than him. Put Walker down for creating at least one try, and conceding at least one down his edge as well.
