Laurie Daley Steps Back from NSW Blues Coaching Role
Melbourne Storm head coach Laurie Daley has stepped back from his role as a coaching advisor for the NSW Blues. This decision comes after a period of uncertainty and challenges within the team’s leadership structure.
Daley took on the responsibility of leading the Blues for a second time last year, following Michael Maguire’s departure to coach the Brisbane Broncos. His previous stint as head coach was not marked by significant success, which made his appointment a bold move. However, Daley’s strategy included having Craig Bellamy, one of the game’s most respected coaches, in his support team.
Bellamy, who had been a key figure in the Blues’ coaching setup, has decided to step down from his role for the 2026 series. This decision followed the Blues’ performance in the 2025 series, where they fell short despite winning Game 1 away from home. The news came as a surprise, especially since the Blues were still in the running for the series.
The Blues have yet to announce a replacement for Bellamy, and it is believed that the decision was made weeks before the current losing streak began. Bellamy’s Melbourne Storm team has struggled recently, with a six-game losing streak being their longest under his coaching. The team is currently in the worst position on the ladder, following a heavy defeat to the South Sydney Rabbitohs at home.
So far this season, the Storm have lost six out of eight games, and they will need to win at least 10 of their remaining 16 matches to have any chance of qualifying for the finals. In his role with the NSW Blues, Bellamy was present at training camps when the Storm had a bye week and also sat in the coaching box alongside Daley during games.
This development marks the second setback for Daley ahead of this year’s series. Earlier, Dean Young also stepped down from his role after being appointed as the interim head coach of the St George Illawarra Dragons following the sacking of Shane Flanagan.
Key Points
- Laurie Daley has withdrawn from his coaching advisory role with the NSW Blues.
- Daley took over the Blues for a second time after Michael Maguire left to coach the Brisbane Broncos.
- Craig Bellamy, a key figure in the Blues’ coaching setup, has stepped down from his role for the 2026 series.
- The Blues are yet to replace Bellamy, and the decision was made weeks before the current losing streak.
- The Melbourne Storm have struggled this season, with a six-game losing streak and a poor ladder position.
- Bellamy was involved in the Blues’ camp during the Storm’s bye weeks and was part of the coaching team during games.
- Dean Young also stepped down from his role, becoming the interim head coach of the St George Illawarra Dragons.
