Is Laurie Daley's position as New South Wales coach still uncertain if the Blues secure a victory in the series-deciding Game 3 in Queensland next month?
During the "Fair or Foul?" segment on the Loose Carry NRL Podcast, the panel examined the potential for Daley's contract renewal regardless of the game's outcome.
Analyst Darren Parkin expressed that for Daley to retain his position after a Game 3 win, there would need to be "substantial changes" in tactics, effectively allowing the Blues coach to "pass the audition."
"I think if he wins the series, he saves his job," Parkin remarked in this week's discussion.
"It would take a really significant turnaround to do so tactically. First game they were getting outplayed, there was a momentum swing in the second game - Queensland were ruthless again."
"If they can go to Brisbane and win the series, then they're going to have to have pulled all the right levers. The question around (Daley) has been 'Is he too slow to react? Does he have too much faith in certain structures and certain individuals?'"
"I think the only way they win is if that changes substantially. And if that changes substantially, then he's passed the audition."
The Loose Carry team also delved into Gold Coast's surprising victory over Penrith, contemplated the championship aspirations for both The Dolphins and the Storm, and analyzed the pivotal moments of State of Origin Game 2.