Laurie Daley has it all to lose.

Which is why, despite much discussion and speculation, some of his selection choices in a week’s time for the State of Origin opener should be quite obvious. Especially in the spine.

In his second coming as Blues coach, failure isn’t an option this time around for the man universally known as the “best bloke in rugby league”.

After coaching NSW for five series between 2013 and 2017, he finished with a record of nine losses and six wins, with one series win in 2014.

Considering his side was up against the great Maroons team that won 11 of 12 series between 2006 and 2017, it was probably a fair return. He won at least one match each year.

But, he was axed in favour of Brad Fittler ahead of the 2018 series, which Fittler won.

Fittler himself fell out of favour when Billy Slater coached the Maroons to wins in 2022 and 2023.

Michael Maguire landed the job and guided NSW to an inspired 2-1 win last year after being monstered in game one following the Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii send-off.

Maguire’s success in 2024 heaps the pressure on Daley, and NSWRL CEO Dave Trodden.

Trodden is an unabashed fan, and a friend of Daley. He was at the forefront of the decision to bring him back after seven seasons in the wilderness.

After last year’s series win, a loss this year would put them both in a position where the scrutiny will be........

© Brisbane Times