AS his side celebrated an important victory in Game One of the State of Origin, NSW coach Laurie Daley’s mind was on the Mid North Coast.
“I hope this victory lifts everyone’s spirits,” he said in a Channel 9 interview following the win, sending a “shout out” to all those dealing with the impact of floods.
As a mate of mine, I contacted Laurie and thanked him for his encouraging words, and he kindly agreed to this interview for Port Macquarie Goss.
Laurie, what made you think of our region after your Origin win?
I knew that this victory would give everyone in NSW a lift. At the end of the day, we only play a game of football. The real heroes are the ones who deal with the aftermath of getting things back to normal, when properties and businesses have flood water, debris etc to deal with.
You are no stranger to Port Macquarie. I remember about 15 years ago you were coaching a Country team and set up camp at Sails Resort ahead of the game. What do you like about the place?
Port Macquarie is a great place. Back then it was my first opportunity to coach a representative team and it was a lot more relaxed than the pressures of being in charge of the NSW Origin team now.
You have surrounded yourself with good people this series, including Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy. What does he add to the team?
Craig in the NRL on a week to week basis is a huge asset. We get the players for a week to prepare for the game. There are so many media commitments and distractions, and having Craig and some other great people around me, when it gets time to set out the game plan and train, I have a great team. I am the head coach, however it is a team effort.
Game Two is in Perth on 18 June, and players from both teams have to play two club games before that date. Do you get nervous during those games, keeping your fingers crossed that there are no injuries or suspensions that could jeopardise your team’s momentum?
Yes, that is always an issue. In fact, before the next game, there is a long weekend Monday game, where five players from Game One are playing for their clubs. I will be anxiously watching and hope that they get through without injury.
For Game Two, are you expecting Queensland to bring a different team and mindset?
For sure. Queensland are famous for it and they are the most dangerous when they have the odds against them. My biggest challenge as the coach is to make sure that NSW don’t have the one-nil, complacent attitude. Queensland will be much harder to beat in Game Two in Perth. We must go in with the same attitude as Queensland, because there are 26 players on the field that can all play football. So, it comes down to one or two moments that can win or lose the game.
Last question, can you give us a score prediction for Game Two?
I never do that, but let me say that I will be happy to win by one point.
By Dave ‘Scoop’ LAZARUS
