"Think about changing the coach": Why Daley "got lucky" despite win as "radical" Blues call floated
A remarkable mid-series dismissal should have been considered by the NSWRL, especially following Kalyn Ponga's second-half send-off during Wednesday night's thrilling Origin opener.
This perspective comes from Code Sports journalist Brent Read, who argues that the future of Blues coach Laurie Daley should have been questioned if New South Wales faced a significant defeat in Game I.
In the first half, the Blues were lackluster, finding themselves down 20-0 at one point.
However, with the score at 20-6 in the second half, the dynamics shifted dramatically when Ponga was sent off for a shoulder charge against Tolu Koula.
Playing with a one-man advantage for the final 23 minutes allowed the Blues to rally and secure victory in the Origin opener.