With St George Illawarra announcing their interim coach on Monday night, the NSW Blues are faced with a new challenge.
The Blues suffered significant injuries to Tom Trbojevic and Payne Haas during Round 7, and the shift in the Dragons' coaching staff means that Blues assistant coach Dean Young cannot juggle responsibilities between the NRL club and the Origin series.
On Tuesday morning's episode of Sky's Big Sports Breakfast, Laurie Daley shared insights from his conversation with Dean Young regarding his position in the Origin team, as well as his thoughts on Young taking charge of the Dragons amid their current struggles.
"I spoke to him last night, and he obviously can't do the role," Daley revealed.
"He's excited about the opportunity, he's confident about being able to do a good job there."
"He's backing himself and he is hoping to be the full-time head coach."
Daley previously advised against Young accepting the role, highlighting concerns over leaks suggesting that the Dragons' management was not fully supportive of Young's leadership, whether as interim or as the full-time coach.
"They're leaking that … Why would you want the interim role?," Daley asked on Monday.
"There's nothing to gain when they're leaking stuff about you."