Laurie Daley is set to step down after his greatest coaching achievement. So who will replace him?

Laurie Daley has yet to make a definitive call on whether this will be his last campaign as NSW coach, but it is expected he will step down after his side’s stunning upset win in the State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium.

“That’s for another day,” Daley told Channel Nine after the Blues’ 30-12 victory. “I’ve made up my mind … I know what I am doing.”

Here are the potential candidates to replace Daley.

Ivan Cleary

Cleary has made no secret of his interest in coaching at representative level. Despite suggestions to the contrary, there is nothing in the NSWRL constitution that precludes a club coach from being handed the reins of the Blues. It makes sense to approach Cleary: he could juggle both jobs next year, handing his Penrith successor, current assistant coach Peter Wallace, more responsibility before he takes over full-time in 2028. However, we’re hearing Cleary wants to focus solely on the Panthers next year, meaning a stopgap NSW coach could be required for 2028.

Matt King

Was the only other applicant before Daley was handed the job last year. He is currently a Blues assistant and a key member of Trent Robinson’s brains trust at the Roosters.

Boyd Cordner

A former NSW captain who was recently honoured with induction into the NSW Blues hall of fame. Another member of Daley’s coaching staff who could be ready to step up to the top job.

Trent Barrett

Has had a chequered career as an NRL head coach during stints at Manly, Canterbury and Parramatta. However, he was the right-hand man for Michael Maguire when the Broncos snapped their premiership drought in 2025 and is a former NSW Origin star.

Brett White

Another member of Daley’s coaching staff, who is completing his apprenticeship at the improving Newcastle Knights.

Michael Cheika

Shapes as a potential wildcard option. The former Wallabies mentor has representative league coaching experience with Lebanon and is another member of the Roosters staff.

Ben Hornby/Dean Young

One of them, most likely Young, will be appointed as the Dragons full-time head coach. The one who misses out needs to be considered.

Des Hasler

He’s been out of the game since finishing up at the Titans, the only club where he didn’t have success. A former Blues playmaker with two premierships to his credit.

Michael Ennis

Another former Blue who has juggled commentary and coaching commitments. Has experience as an assistant at Manly and St George Illawarra.