Laurie Daley angled for one last shot at State of Origin redemption – and was finally shown the door as the NSW hierarchy picks up the ruins from another interstate series collapse. And now the search is on for his replacement.
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Here are the five frontrunners to take on the hardest job in rugby league – halting Queensland's Origin monopoly.
Brad Fittler
The obvious candidate. Has served his apprenticeship with City Origin, coached NSW's under-age Origin sides to success and widely respected by players who have served underneath him. Would bring instant energy back into the Blues set up and would have no problems juggling his media commitments – as well as being a promotional foot soldier for NSW's expanded elite pathways system – if given the role. Likely to draw in other high-profile assistants, such as Channel Nine sidekick Andrew Johns if given the top gig. Leading contender.
Craig Fitzgibbon
If the City coach is a contender, then why not the Country boss? Probably giving a fair start to someone like Fittler, but speak to those who have worked with him and they consider Fitzgibbon to be a head coach in the making. Has served a long apprenticeship under Roosters clipboard carrier Trent Robinson, one of the most astute minds in the business, and credited with putting the defensive steel into the Tricolours for many years now. Integral part of their 2013 title and already enjoys a close relationship with NSW skipper Boyd Cordner from their ample time together at Bondi.
Des Hasler
Left field, but why not? The will-he-or-won't-he-go saga at the Bulldogs is looming large for the Canterbury board over its coach after a disappointing season. Hasler re-signed with the club earlier this year, but the Dogs might now have a bizarre fix to their problem if the coach is parachuted into the Origin role. Whether the mad scientist would have the appetite for a job that involves just 240 minutes of coaching a year – and a truckload of promotion under its current charter – is debatable. But Hasler might just be the man to cure a state's blues. Would bring instant respect from his players, who have made questionable off-field decisions in the past. Fascinating prospect.
Geoff Toovey
A mouth-watering thought. The little terrier with a sometimes red face and blue blood, could come back to Australia and resuscitated NSW's flagging Origin fortunes. Harbours a desire to continue his coaching career in Australia having been appointed to the top gig at Bradford earlier this year. Has been mentioned as a contender for the vacant Titans gig, but surely the Blues job suits the ex-Manly boss down to the ground? Probably didn't receive the plaudits he should have for his work at the Sea Eagles in the post-Hasler era. Will be in the mix.
John Cartwright
If the broom goes through the entire 2017 coaching set up then you can probably scratch Cartwright's name from the list. But if the NSW hierarchy were looking for someone to remain on board, one of Daley's assistants from a forgettable series might be a bolter to slip into the top role. Any casual observer of Blues training sessions throughout their campaign were left under no doubt how much influence Cartwright had on their sessions, his hands-on approach winning plaudits early in the series. And you sense he still has a desire to be a head coach again. No surprise Trent Barrett's coaching career has taken off at Manly with a steady right-hand man. Not the worst option.
