7th Tackle: D-Daley looming

The hysteria surrounding the Blues’ failed Origin campaign has died down over the past few weeks, leaving the NSWRL to conduct its review in relative peace.

That is nearing completion – and will at a board meeting on Friday.

Directors had been waiting for chairman George Peponis to return home from overseas before convening.

The same meeting could also determine whether coach Laurie Daley lives to fight another day, after winning just one of the past five series.

The likelihood is that he will – even if the extension is only for another 12 months, perhaps with an option for a further year should the Blues break the drought next season.

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There are likely to be more changes to Daley’s staff, which despite the introduction of assistant coach John Cartwright and selection advisor Peter Sterling this year, has largely remained consistent since he took the reins in 2013.

We also expect there to be more rules and guidelines around behavior in camp – applying to BOTH coaches and players.

While the NSWRL deemed that Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan did nothing wrong by having a few drinks on their day off, the grey area that permitted them to do so needs to be addressed.