Trent Hodkinson reveals vital detail in 'left-field' Laurie Daley appointment for NSW coach

Former NSW halfback Trent Hodkinson has backed his former coach Laurie Daley to excel during his second go as Blues coach having detailed his experience in Origin as a key factor. Hodkinson was part of the halves combination with James Maloney that played in Daley's NSW team that broke the Queensland team's winning streak in 2014.

Hodkinson was instrumental in the win with his dummy to score a try in the 70th minute sealing a famous victory and bringing home the shield after nine years. However, Daley went on to lose the majority of his games in charge after the famous series victory and eventually departed in 2017.

And Daley's appointment as coach has raised eyebrows with the Blues great finishing with just five wins in 16 games. This has seen many question whether he is the right man for the job with Craig Bellamy as his assistant. Queensland legend Corey Parker even admitting his surprise at the 'left-field' decision.

Although Hodkinson has no doubts about Daley's credentials and has backed him to follow in Michael Maguire's footsteps. “I got pretty excited because I know what Laurie Daley brings to the table,” Hodkinson said on SEN Radio on Tuesday.

“At that level… the boys are so elite, they're the best of the best, and you don’t necessarily need to be coached. You need a really solid mentor and motivator, and Loz (Daley) does that so well.

“That's what I experienced in camp, Loz has a way to bring a team together… and get them ready to go to battle.” This was a similar sentiment to what Parker said on Tuesday who admitted the likes of Daley and Bellamy working together will be an added bonus for the coaching staff.

Trent Hodkinson reveals Laurie Daley Origin detail

And Hodkinson pointed out his own experience with Daley, which proves to him he will be the man to get the job done for NSW. Hodkinson also pointed out there were not too many coaches that would have stopped a team with players such as Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk running around. And this time, NSW should be going in as favourites.

“Being a young fella and coming into my first Origin camp, being surrounded by a lot of established first-graders and Origin players already, but Loz took me in and made everything around me very calm and I think that’s one of his biggest strengths,” Hodkinson said on his first Blues camp in 2014.

“I don't think Loz has to do too much different. He was coaching at a time when Queensland arguably had one of the best teams on paper to ever play so now the roles are reversed and NSW is no doubt going in favourites. That's why I'm excited to see him back in that arena and see what he can do when he’s not going up against one of the best teams ever. I think it’ll be good for NSW going forward.”

Laurie Daley backs Craig Bellamy appointment

One vital detail in Daley's appointment the second time around is the inclusion of Bellamy. The Storm coach is considered one of the best in the game and his inclusion will command respect from the players in the NSW dressing room.

And Daley explained why he reached out to Bellamy. "I've a great relationship with Craig over a number of years. (It) started out as a player (at Canberra) and obviously we keep in touch," Daley said after Bellamy was announced as the Blues' chief advisor.

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"I was looking for some guidance. I was looking for someone, if I ever got an opportunity again, to help me and I thought he would be the best possible person to do that. Craig will help the coaches and be part of the coaching group, and I'm pretty excited to have him involved.

"And if I'm excited, I think the players will be extremely excited to get to work with someone like Craig. You don't have to talk about what he's achieved in the game. He's passionate about NSW and he wants to be a part of it, which is exciting for us."