Matt King named new NSW State of Origin head coach

Former NSW State of Origin player Matt King has been named the new head coach of the Blues.

King was announced as the new coach on Tuesday after predecessor Laurie Daley stepped down from the role on Monday.

King played nine times for the Blues from 2005-2007, and over 200 first grade matches for Melbourne, South Sydney and Warrington across the NRL and Super League in England.

"I'm very clear on what it looks like to be the head coach of NSW," King said.

"I have a true understanding of what it means to lead this great state of ours and I can't wait for that opportunity.

"The one true rugby league love of my life has been the NSW Blues. To know now that I have the opportunity to guide the team moving forward, to lead the program over the next little period, means the absolute world to me."

The 45-year-old has been a long-time assistant coach under Trent Robinson at the Sydney Roosters, and has been part of the Blues' coaching staff since 2024.

Daley stepped down as Blues coach on Monday after guiding NSW to a series win this year.

The Blues sealed the series with a 30-12 triumph in the decider at Lang Park, just the fourth time NSW has won a deciding Game III in Brisbane.

"I've always considered it an absolute honour and privilege to be involved with the NSW Blues State of Origin team, whether that was as a player or a coach, and I've always been ready to answer the call for my state whenever they needed me," Daley said in a statement on Monday.

"We faced plenty of challenges in the 2026 series and I'm proud of the way the players banded together to overcome them and save their best performance for Game Three in Brisbane to secure a memorable series win.

"I thank the fans for their passion and their support, and I can't think of a better way to move on with the Shield back where it belongs in NSW."