The New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) has confirmed that Matt King, the newly appointed head coach of the NSW Blues, is on a two-year contract, which includes an option extending until 2029.
King was announced as the head coach on Tuesday morning, succeeding Laurie Daley. However, the rugby league governing body did not specify the details of King's contract duration during the announcement.
Demonstrating his commitment, King will conclude his current role as assistant coach with the Sydney Roosters at the end of this year.
Interestingly, King noted that he previously missed out on the opportunity to coach the Blues two years ago when Daley was selected for the position, during a time when Daley faced criticism but ultimately led the team to victory in this year's series.
The confirmation of King's two-year contract implies that the NSWRL will not be pursuing Ivan Cleary, who will step down as head coach at the Penrith Panthers next year, in the immediate future.
In response to inquiries, NSWRL Chairman David Trodden emphasized that a temporary coach would not have been a viable option, as it would suggest conceding the series for a year.
"Ivan is one of the greatest coaches there will be in rugby league, but what we needed was a coach for 2027," Trodden stated to the Herald.
"Ivan wasn't available, so that was always going to be a real difficulty.
"There was the assumption about having a [stop-gap solution coach for 2027], which would almost be giving up next year's series - and that's not the way we were thinking. We expect to win next year, we expect to retain the trophy, and Matt King is the very best option to do that."