On Tuesday morning, the NSW Blues revealed a significant change in leadership, as Laurie Daley stepped down as head coach, handing over the reins to long-standing assistant Matt King.
Daley decided it was time to step away following a remarkable series victory, despite facing considerable criticism throughout the campaign, ultimately leading to a triumphant conclusion.
Now that King is at the helm with the goal of defending the State of Origin shield in Sydney for 2027, his focus shifts to building his coaching team to secure consecutive wins.
Andrew Johns, recognized as the greatest player for the Blues, has made a public plea for a former star to join the coaching staff ahead of the 2027 series.
Johns advocates for the inclusion of former Blue James Maloney, urging his appointment alongside Boyd Cordner and Brett White.
Maloney, known for his lively personality off the field, possesses an excellent ability to unite the team, coupled with deep expertise in the game, illustrated by his two premiership wins as five-eighth with the Roosters (2013) and the Sharks (2016).
Additionally, Maloney has played alongside several key Penrith players who are likely to be considered for selection next year, such as Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Liam Martin.
"Someone who would be really good, the yin and yang, is Jimmy Maloney," said eighth Immortal Johns on Nine's Freddy and The Eighth.
"Jimmy has obviously played with Nathan (Cleary), he's played with a lot of those Penrith blokes and he played at Origin level."