NSW coach Laurie Daley has unloaded on his critics, describing some of the commentary before his side’s series win as “unfair” and declaring: “I don’t know why we attack people the way we do.”
The Blues produced one of the great State of Origin upsets, defeating a fancied Queensland side 30-12 to wrap up the series at Suncorp Stadium. Daley had come under scrutiny for his selections, tactics and use of the interchange bench in the opening two encounters.
However, the former Raiders pivot had the last laugh after overseeing his second interstate series win from seven attempts with the clipboard on Wednesday night.
Daley said some of the criticism of himself, halfback Nathan Cleary and other members of the side in the lead-up to the decider had crossed the line.
“There were some difficult [selection] decisions that we had to make, but it annoys me when I hear people talk about how NSW ‘don’t get it’ and they’ve got no passion for the jersey,” Daley said in his post-match press conference.
“That’s two of the last three years we’ve won State of Origin with this group. And I don’t know why we attack people the way we do.
“No one likes criticism – I get that. It comes, so you’ve got to accept it and cop it, but there are some parts of criticism that go way above others, which I get really disappointed with. People who report like that need to have a hard look at themselves.
“Some of the stuff that’s been written and said … gee, come on. Anyway, hopefully, those blokes might have a decent look at themselves.”
While Daley didn’t reference it directly, it’s likely he took umbrage to reports that NSW’s slow start in the opening game was the result of him supposedly putting his team to sleep in his pre-game pep talks.
Daley also leapt to the defence of Cleary, who was named man of the match and presented with the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series. The narrative that Cleary, before his Origin III heroics, hadn’t owned the interstate arena was unfair, according to Daley.
“Oh, he’s right up there, isn’t he?” Daley said. “You judge them at the end of their careers, but what he’s done has been remarkable – four consecutive premierships. And I just don’t get why people want to take down champions. I don’t get it.
“He’s a champion, and he’s done some terrific things. Why does he have to do something like he’s done tonight for people to go, ‘Oh, you know, he’s not a bad player?’ It just bugs me, that type of stuff. He’s a legend of the game for what he’s done.”
Those comments were echoed by NSW legend and eighth Immortal Andrew Johns, who said Cleary had silenced his critics.
“It shuts them all up,” Johns’ said on Nine’s post-game coverage.
Asked if Cleary would have been motivated by the naysayers, Johns said: “Oh, for sure, 100 per cent. Like, ‘Kiss my ass!’ Well done, Nathan. Of course he heard it. Anyone who says they didn’t read it is lying … I’m so proud of him.”
Daley’s two-year contract with the NSWRL expired after Wednesday night’s win, and it was widely expected that he won’t seek another term. When quizzed on Nine about his future, the coach said, “That’s for another day”, before adding “I know what I’m doing.”
If he is heading for the exit, he gave his critics a serve on the way out.
“It wasn’t about the last laugh; it was just about these boys playing the best they possibly could,” Daley said.
“In particular, people have a crack when they don’t even come to a training session and won’t front up to press conferences. Show some balls. Where are they now? But I hope it never happens to you one day.
“Anyway, it is what it is, and people write stories and do whatever they want. But you’ve got to be held accountable for some of your stories, too. And I’ll read those stories, and if things aren’t true, I’ll call them out.”
