Who replaces Laurie Daley in 2027? The contenders and wildcards for the NSW Blues hot seat
The 2026 State of Origin series is set for a dramatic finale on Wednesday night with NSW and Queensland set to lock horns in front of a heaving Suncorp Stadium crowd.
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If the series ends in another loss for Laurie Daley and the Blues, the NSWRL will likely face a familiar headache — finding a suitably-credentialed coaching successor who isn’t currently tied to an NRL club.
But in truth even if the Blues win on Wednesday night it seems long odds Daley will be in charge come the start of the 2027 series.
So who will be?
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1. Michael Ennis
The former NSW hooker and Fox League commentator with the most recognisable Aussie drawl in sport, Ennis has already put his hand up publicly for the Blues gig. Recently sacked from his assistant role at the Dragons, Ennis played eight Origins for NSW and helped lead Cronulla to the 2016 premiership. Queensland great Corey Parker has backed him as the man for the job, arguing the Blues need someone closer to the modern week-to-week NRL system rather than another old-school appointment.
2. Geoff Toovey
A bloodied and bruised Blues great as a player, Toovey also has genuine NRL head-coaching experience from his time at Manly — something Daley has never had — and certainly ticks the ‘passion plus pedigree’ box. The 57-year-old is currently working as Pathways Coaching Co-ordinator at Manly.
3. Ivan Cleary
Departing Penrith at the end of next season, Clearly looms as the boldest possible appointment but 2027 may come a year too early. Multiple premierships, total command of a roster and a son already wearing the No.7 jersey for NSW it seems only a a matter of when, not if, he becomes Blues boss. Could Daley be convinced to stay on for one more year until Cleary is available?
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4. Trent Barrett
An 11-game Blues veteran, Barrett has lingered around Origin conversations for over a decade, having been in the frame for the top job back when Daley got it for the first time in 2012. His coaching resume has grown since, even if results haven’t always followed. Currently working as an assistant under Michael Maguire at the Broncos.
5. Brad Fittler
The boomerang option, a former Blues great who’s been there and done it before with three series wins as coach (2018, 2019, 2021) before stepping away on his own terms. Unfinished business and unmatched results make him an obvious phone call. But would he answer?
6. Andrew Johns
Johns is the dream-ticket fantasy appointment, albeit a highly unlikely one. Arguably the greatest rugby league brain of his generation and one of the most passionate players ever to pull on a sky blue jersey, he’s already declared in many ways he would love the NSW job — but also that he would never take it. Could he be swayed?
Wildcards
Arguably the finest player to ever wear the NSW No.9 jersey, 21-game Origin great Danny Buderus is quietly building his coaching credentials, currently serving as an assistant at the Knights under Justin Holbrook and could be the development-style punt for the long term. Another hugely dramatic option could be the return of former series-winning Blues coach Michael Maguire should his time at the flailing Broncos come to a premature ending at the conclusion of the 2026 NRL season. Stranger things have happened.
The 2026 State of Origin decider will be played on Wednesday 8 July at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Kick off at 8:10pm.
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