‘Dorky Uncle’: Why Laurie Daley is being backed to prove the critics wrong in Origin decider

Righty or wrongly Laurie Daley has become one of rugby league’s favourite punching bags in 2026.

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However in recent days the tide has turned a little, with plenty of Daley’s former teammates and colleagues coming out in passionate defence of the 56-year-old as he seeks to guide the Blues to a famous series victory at a hostile Suncorp Stadium next week.

While the Maroons will start Game III as hot favourites to win their second series in a row, and fourth in five years, former NRL star and proud New South Welshman Blake Austin believes Daley’s men can get the job done.

“We can go there and win, there’s no doubt about that,” Austin said on the latest Footy IQ podcast explaining few would begrudge Daley a winning finish to what has been a difficult series.

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“In the most respectful way, I think (Laurie) has got a bit of dorky uncle about him, he’s the guy you see at barbecues that you just love having around,” Austin laughed.

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“But I’m a huge believer that good things happen for good people.

“He’s got nearly everything wrong this series, but I reckon he may just walk out of Suncorp Stadium the proudest man on the planet.”

Austin went on to observe that while Daley has copped a torrent of football-based criticism for everything from his team selections to his pre-match talks and tactics, the last laugh may yet be his.

“I have a feeling everyone that’s bashed him may just have little bit of egg on their face,” he said.

“I say that because good things happen to good people, and I reckon he is, he’s a great person Laurie Daley.”

Follow the weekly Footy IQ podcast here.

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