Australian rugby commentator LAURIE DALEY has been appointed coach of New South Wales' State of Origin team, according to Greg Prichard of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Daley was awarded a two-year contract by the board of the New South Wales Rugby League after he, BRAD FITTLER, TRENT BARRETT and DANIEL ANDERSON each made presentations and faced interviews. NSWRL Chair JOHN CHALK said Tuesday night that it came down to a difficult choice between Daley and Barrett. Chalk said that the "key difference between the pair, in the eyes of the board, was the fact Daley had more experience as a coach than Barrett" (SMH, 8/22). Also in Sydney, Stuart Honeysett reported that "it is believed Daley could still include Fittler and Barrett in his support staff next year while [former coach] Stuart may also return in some capacity." Daley said, "RICKEY STUART's done a fantastic job over the last couple of years in closing the gap between Queensland and NSW. I just want to continue from his legacy and leave my own legacy" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 8/22).
