Laurie Daley

Daley confirms interest in Kiwis job

Daley is the fourth high-profile coach to meet with New Zealand officials after David Kidwell was axed in February following last year's World Cup quarter- finals exit.

Daley confirmed on Sky Sports Radio's Big Sports Breakfast he flew to New Zealand to discuss his own future this week after he was axed as NSW State of Origin mentor last year.

"I did go across to NZ and speak to them about the NZ coaching position," Daley said.

"It was an informal discussion, just where I'm at and where they are at.

State of Origin: Paul Gallen should be dropped for game three, says Steve Mortimer

The team arrived back in Sydney Thursday afternoon after suffering a tenth series loss in 11 years and Gallen did not stop to talk to the waiting media.

With the series already lost, Mortimer said he wants to see a different side run out in the final match of the series.

"There's one game to go and never has there been an opportunity to bring some young players into the fold, just like Queensland did 12 years ago," he said.

Blues not fearful of Origin unknowns

The last Blues team to visit Origin's most intimidating arena were decimated in a 52-6 record flogging and for the must-win Game Two on Wednesday night seven players will face a sea of some 50,000 Maroons for the very first time.

Five-eighth James Maloney is the only member of the NSW backline to have played a single Origin game in Brisbane while in the forwards debutants Jack Bird and Tyson Frizell have been handed Origin's toughest introduction.

Daley under pressure to make changes

Picked as a potential gamebreaker, Walker endured a nightmare Origin debut after being thrust into the fray with nine minutes remaining and the match on the line.

Forced to make 11 tackles while seemingly filling a forward's role, the backline utility then fumbled possession trying to milk a penalty after his first touch.

Daley's famous loyalty will be put to the test when he weighs up whether or not to persist with Walker.

Late NSW change 'not ideal': Daley

Dugan was expected to line up at centre in what would have been a mouth-watering head-to-head contest with Queensland's attacking weapon Greg Inglis.

Instead, the 2015 Brad Fittler Medallist will miss Game One on Wednesday night after aggravating an elbow injury he suffered in the Dragons' Round 11 loss to the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium. 

Daley said the news was surprising given how well the 26-year-old had been training at the side's Coffs Harbour base, but appreciated Dugan's decision to not put the team's balance at risk.