Laurie Daley's hearing issue may explain origin tensions, suggests journalist

A new theory has emerged suggesting that Laurie Daley's hearing difficulties during the 2026 State of Origin series may have contributed to reports of tension within the NSW Blues dressing room. Channel Nine journalist Danny Weidler proposed that a middle ear infection suffered by Daley around game one could explain why his pre-game speeches were reportedly perceived as uninspiring by some players. Weidler told Sky Sports Radio that he struggled to hear Daley during a post-match interview, initially fearing he was losing his own hearing, only to conclude the coach was struggling with his voice projection due to the medical issue.

The theory adds a fresh dimension to ongoing scrutiny of Daley's second tenure as Blues coach. After a successful playing career and a first coaching stint that yielded just one series win from five attempts, Daley was reappointed in 2025 but has faced mounting criticism over team selections and bench rotations. A CODE Sports report claimed Daley's pre-game addresses were "sleepy", though Weidler challenged that characterisation. "I think he was having some issues with his voice level, I could not hear anything he said," Weidler explained. "The only thing I can put it down to is there was an interpretation ... that he wasn't inspirational."

Despite the controversy, the Blues won game one and started strongly in game two before being overwhelmed by a dominant Queensland outfit at the MCG. NSW now faces a must-win series decider at Suncorp Stadium on July 8. Daley's job security is under threat regardless of the outcome, with speculation growing over potential successors including Boyd Cordner, Matt King, or even the Johns brothers. Blues legend Andrew Johns has repeatedly stated he has no desire to coach, though his brother Matthew hinted he would assist if Johns changed his mind.

Queensland's superior freedom and mentality were also singled out by Weidler as systemic challenges for NSW. "Queensland play with a greater freedom and maybe they've got the players to do it and we don't," he said. Meanwhile, selection headaches mount for Daley ahead of the decider, with questions over the hooker role, back-row, and centre positions. Kotoni Staggs is likely to be dropped after a sin-binning in game two, opening the door for Latrell Mitchell or Stephen Crichton to step into the side.

Daley remains a revered figure in rugby league, but the pressure is intensifying. With a loss, his tenure likely ends; even a win may not be enough to save his job. Current assistant Boyd Cordner, 34, has impressed as a young coach, while Matt King's lengthy apprenticeship under Trent Robinson at the Sydney Roosters makes him a frontrunner if a change is made.