Daley back to coach NSW Origin as Vautin hangs up the mic

Laurie Daley is returning to coach the NSW Blues Origin side with the help of Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy in an advisory role.

And John Strange will take over the NSW women’s Origin coaching in 2025, the NRL says.

A former Raider, NSW and Australian captain, Daley replaces Michael Maguire who steered the Blues to an historic series win this year but quit to coach the Broncos.

Bellamy takes on a new role; advisor to the Origin coaching staff.

Daley previously coached the Blues from 2013-17 and guided the team to a series win in 2014 that ended eight years of Queensland domination.

“I am honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to coach the NSW Blues once again,” Daley told the official NRL website, www.nrl.com

“I have always been passionate about State of Origin and the pride that comes with representing New South Wales.”

Strange takes over from Kylie Hilder, who stood down after NSW’s 2-1 loss in the first women’s State of Origin series.

He is a two-time NRLW premiership coach with Sydney Roosters and took the club to victory in this year’s grand final and in 2021.

With the women’s Origin series to be held before the 2025 NRLW season, Strange has the backing of the Roosters and the NSWRL to do both jobs.

“I am a lifelong Blues tragic and it is an incredible honour for me to be appointed into the role,” Strange said.

Former Australian and NSW Women’s Origin captain Ruan Sims will remain as an assistant coach.

VAUTIN CALLS IT A DAY

After more than 30 years commentating on rugby league, former player and broadcaster Paul Vautin is retiring.

He told media outlets that the time has come to step away now that he no longer has the stamina to keep pace with the game.

“I’m 65 and I’ve run out of petrol,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“When I think about my life I have to say it’s all been a surprise; the television career, my football career. I remember thinking as a 15 or 16-year-old redheaded, freckly kid that I didn’t know what I was gonna do with my life, and then when I look at what I’ve done, I’m still surprised.”

Vautin played for Manly, Easts, Queensland and the Kangaroos during his playing career.

His TV career began in 1991 as a co-host of a weekly sports segment on the Midday show, paving the way for his role on The Sunday Footy Show when it launched in 1993.

In September 1994, Vautin’s fame soared with the debut of The Footy Show on Thursday nights.

He formed an effective hosting duo with Peter Sterling for much of the show’s run, joined over the years by the likes of Paul Harragon, Matty Johns and Mario Fenech.

After The Footy Show ended, Vautin became a mainstay in the Wide World of Sports commentary box.