NSW name ex-garbo King as Blues head coach for 2027 Origin

NSWRL has appointed Matt King as NSW Blues head coach on a two-year deal for the 2027 State of Origin series, succeeding Laurie Daley, who stepped down after winning the 2026 shield. King, a retired winger who collected rubbish and pulled pints before debuting in first grade at 23, has never been a first-grade head coach. He served as the Blues' attack coach under Daley for two years and told hopefuls to "be a tough bugger." Both Origin sides will now be coached by former Melbourne Storm players — King for NSW, Billy Slater for Queensland.