The NSW Blues have officially announced that Matt King will take on the role of head coach for the 2027 State of Origin series.
Having served as an assistant coach for the Blues over the last three years, King steps in following Laurie Daley's resignation after a victorious 2-1 series.
At 45, King made history by becoming the inaugural recipient of the Brad Fittler Medal (Blues MVP) in 2005, notably scoring a hat trick in the decisive match held in Brisbane.
The former Storm and Rabbitoh player boasts nine tries in the sky blue and has been actively involved behind the scenes, contributing to the emerging Blues squad under Fittler's leadership.
Since the conclusion of 2017, King has been associated with Trent Robinson's highly successful coaching staff at the Sydney Roosters.
Under King's tenure, the tri-colours clinched consecutive premierships in 2018 and 2019, marking a significant achievement after his appointment.
In a press conference on Tuesday, King's appointment as head coach was confirmed, where he expressed having a "true understanding" of what it means to lead the state.
"I'm very clear on what it looks like to be the Head Coach of NSW," King stated.
"I have a true understanding of what it means to lead this great state of the, and I can't wait for that opportunity."