What Braith Anasta really thinks of Laurie Daley

July 19, 2026 — 5:00am

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The on-air attacks from rugby league commentator Braith Anasta on the hiring of Laurie Daley as Blues coach originate from a personal issue he has with the Origin-winning mentor.

Daley is one of the nicest men in rugby league and he has no enemies in a game that is fuelled by hatred and feuds.

Well, it turns out he has one person who can’t cop him – the outspoken host of NRL 360, Anasta.

It was Anasta who hammered Daley about how he got the job last year – implying it was because of a friendship with NSW chief executive David Trodden. But he went harder on his 180 podcast.

Following the Blues disappointing 44-24 game two loss to Queensland in Melbourne, Anasta said of Daley’s selections: “I don’t know if it’s stubbornness, arrogance or just being dumb. Or having the capabilities or ability to coach at this level.”

That’s a hard-line approach. To describe Daley as dumb is personal and offensive.

Anasta also said: “Everyone’s talking about Loz and poor Loz, and he’s copping it right? And do I feel sorry for him? Well, I’m not sure. I’ve had some dealings with him in the past and he’s a great bloke, but he knows how all this stuff works.

“And he’s pulled one on me before, back in the past when he was a selector for NSW. So he’s not Mr Innocent, let’s get that straight.

“One of his best mates is Dave Trodden, head of the NSW Rugby League. Answer me this: if they are not mates, does he get the job? Who cares if you’re a ripper bloke. You’re a good bloke … f---en coach NSW. This is business … We are getting our pants pulled down, but ‘he’s a good bloke’.”

‘Where are they now?’ Daley blasts his critics after overseeing mammoth upset

Daley was NSW Country Origin coach from 2008 to 2012. According to the NSWRL, Daley was a state selector from 2008 to 2010. Anasta played his last game for the Blues in 2008. That season, he won the Rugby League Players’ Association player of the year award. He didn’t play for the Blues in the next five seasons.

Surely, it would have nothing to do with an old selection grudge. Anasta was replaced in game one in 2009 by Terry Campese and then Trent Barrett.

There is no point in trying to contact Anasta as he has previously said he won’t respond to any inquiries from your correspondent.

Benji in on May brothers’ PNG joke

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall is all about respect and that’s why he says he will pick Parramatta- and Papua New Guinea Chiefs-bound Jarome Luai for the rest of the year.

It’s a great approach to have. But where was the respect when the Tigers coach was in on a prank when brothers Terrell and Taylan May set up a situation to pretend they had signed with the Chiefs?

Benji delivered a set-up speech to his team.

“It’s a tough one, because there’s a lot happening,” Marshall told Tigers players after the May boys........

© The Sydney Morning Herald