LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a recent interview, Queensland Maroons legend Corey Parker took a break from the scrum to give his thoughts on the NSW Blues' surprising decision to appoint Laurie Daley as their new coach.
The former NSW legend, who previously held the role from 2013 to 2017, was brought back into the fold despite his lack of recent experience in the NRL coaching environment.
Parker made it clear that he believed NSW may have missed a strategic opportunity by not opting for a younger coach with more recent experience in the game.
He suggested that someone like Blues assistant coach Matt King or former player Michael Ennis may have been better choices for the role.
The decision to bring Daley back was met with some confusion, as many had expected King to take over the reins after his successful collaboration with former coach Michael Maguire led to a series victory.
Nevertheless, the NSWRL board went with the Canberra Raiders legend, citing his ability to bring in Craig Bellamy as an advisor as one of the reasons for their decision.
Parker's comments on SEN radio hinted at a sense of disappointment over the Blues' choice, suggesting that the team may have overlooked candidates who were more familiar with the current landscape of Rugby League.
It remains to be seen how Daley will fare in his new role, but for now, Parker's concerns serve as a reminder of the importance of selecting a coach who is in tune with the demands of the modern game.