Laurie Daley said he was a ‘failure’. Meet the man who changed his mind

4 hours ago 3

The man credited with turning the All Blacks from World Cup chokers into a global rugby powerhouse – and who was in Michael Maguire’s corner when NSW won a rare Origin decider on Queensland soil last year – is now doing his best to ensure Laurie Daley’s return as Blues coach is a success.

Not long after being re-appointed to the top job before Christmas, Daley said he felt like a “failure” during his first stint in charge of the Blues, which featured one win in five series against arguably the greatest Maroons’ side ever.

One way Daley improved himself as a coach was embracing the mental approach, and acquiring tools to allow him to stay calm when his staff and team need him most.

Daley will need to keep his nerve on Wednesday night as NSW chase a series victory at home – and what could be his first series triumph since 2014.

Gilbert Enoka was the leadership management and mental performance coach for New Zealand’s famous rugby side for more than 20 years during a remarkable period of dominance – and has now spent the seven weeks passing on his wisdom to the players and Daley.

The 66-year-old on Tuesday described Daley as among the best he had worked with when it came to his knowledge of the game, and openness to delegate, which is quite the compliment when you consider Enoka spent time working with All Blacks’ legend Steven Hansen.

Laurie Daley says he is a better coach this time around because of the help of mental performance coach Gilbert Enoka

“He openly says he can’t be everything to everyone, so he ensures he surrounds himself with people with skill sets that complement him,” Enoka said.

“I’ve heard other coaches say that, but Laurie actually lets those people with the specific expertise to contribute and have influence. He uses that knowledge to help sharpen what he can present to the boys.

“Every time he speaks, he’ll check in and ask, ‘what do you think?’. He also knows when to trust his own ability.

“When we walked into the sheds at half-time in Perth, when we were under the pump, he was intuitive enough to know from his own playing experience what needed to be said, and how to say it, and he did it beautifully.

“Not only is Laurie a great coach, he’s a beaut guy. He has a warmth and openness and good sense of humour, which is a unique combination in a head coach.”

Daley’s ability to deliver success a second time around – this time with a far-superior team on paper – is one of the big Origin storylines.

He made a point of putting the focus on the team rather than himself on Tuesday, and was grateful to lean on Enoka, who was first introduced to the Blues by football manager Frank Ponissi.

“He [Enoka] helps everyone, he’s good at his craft, [he teaches you] how to control things, and how you don’t need to worry about things externally – it’s about focusing on what you need to do,” Daley said.

“He’s been around for a long period of time. But it’s not about me. It’s about the team. It’s about what we do Wednesday night, not what I’ve done in the past. I don’t care about me. I care about the team. I want them to do well.”

Captain Isaah Yeo loved how Daley put a lot of trust in the team, and said: “Sometimes we forget, too, how much he instilled in this jersey when he played – he’s arguably one of the greatest players we’ve had for the Blues, if not the greatest, and he’s walked the path we’re walking now.”

The Blues won game one at Suncorp Stadium, trailed 26-6 at half-time in Perth – and were behind 8-0 in the penalty count – and steamed home to lose 26-24.

Brian To’o has struggled with a knee injury all camp but will play, as will front-rower Payne Haas, who has been on restricted duty because of a chronic lower back problem.

Daley said he felt for Cam Munster who had lost his father on the weekend, and it served as a timely reminder: “how life can change pretty quickly, and there are more meaningful things than a game of footy”.

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