Queensland Origin great calls out ‘strange’ Laurie Daley decision – as second-time Blues coach vows he has learnt from previous mistakes

Queensland Origin great Corey Parker has loudly questioned the ‘strange’ decision by NSW to hand Laurie Daley a second opportunity as head coach.

Daley, 55, was previously in charge of the Blues between 2013 and 2017, winning just one interstate series.

But after Michael Maguire replaced Kevin Walters as Brisbane’s NRL coach in October, the coveted coaching role was up for grabs.

Daley got the nod ahead of the likes of Matt King and Michael Ennis – and Parker – who featured for the Maroons in 19 matches between 2004 and 2016 – was stunned.

‘I was a little surprised,’ he said on SEN radio on Tuesday.

‘Laurie was up against a really formidable Queensland side during that first stint where we saw eight consecutive series wins for Queensland. 

‘He’s left-field for me. He’s been there and done that and I guess it suits the powers above.

‘I thought there was a real opportunity to go with someone like Matt King, Michael Ennis or Brett White. One of these younger guys who have been inside systems week in and week out of NRL sides.

Queensland Origin great Corey Parker has questioned the ‘strange’ decision by NSW to hand Laurie Daley a second opportunity as head coach

Daley was previously in charge of the Blues between 2013 and 2017 – and is adamant he has learnt from previous mistakes

‘You just have to look at Billy Slater and his innovative ideas and what he’s been able to provide Queensland over the past few seasons…Billy had no head coach (experience) and he handled (Queensland) beautifully.

‘I think it was a strange call from NSW if I’m being fair and brutally honest.’

Parker did admit having Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy as his chief adviser could prove to be a masterstroke for Daley and NSW.

‘[Daley] brings great passion and great belief in the Blues jersey, but from a coaching perspective he has been out of the loop for some time,’ Parker added. ‘That is why you need someone like a Craig Bellamy. 

‘It is what is between the ears…..collectively as a unit you need people to believe in the Blues jersey. 

‘Don’t underestimate what Bellamy does for this team. While Daley is the head coach, Bellamy will command respect.’

Daley has also confirmed he will reach out to Maguire to see what worked well in camp last year – and the squad will again be based in the NSW Blue Mountains in the lead up to the three games.

When it comes to selections, Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell is likely to return in the centres with Manly’s Tom Trbojevic – provided both are fit and in-form – with Daley happy with either Nathan Cleary or Mitch Moses as his first-choice halfback.