Matt King begins his first major head-coaching role with NSW, saying he is prepared for the intense scrutiny of State of Origin.
He spent three seasons at South Sydney under Michael Maguire, then ten at the Roosters with Trent Robinson, contributing to three premiership seasons, the latest in 2026.
Maguire added King to NSW's staff; Laurie Daley retained him for two years before stepping down after the Blues' 2026 series win.
On Channel 7's Agenda Setters: Rugby League on Monday, King said: "I love footy, hands down, but 2026 has been, for me, one of the great years,"
He recalled Tedesco's Game One impact and Game Three at Suncorp, alongside the Roosters' title and his Lebanon involvement, before joining NSW.
King had sought Daley's job two years earlier, but said he was not ready then; now he feels equipped for Origin's pressure.