NSW captain Paul Gallen has revealed that a devastated Blues coach Laurie Daley nearly relinquished the role after his charges' heartbreaking loss to Queensland in last year's Origin series.
"He wasn't going to do the job again this year; he was shattered after last year – as we all were," Gallen told SportsFan.com.au.
Gallen also said NSW may have unearthed a potential match-winning star in the making in Roosters winger Daniel Tupou.
"The big winger from the Roosters… Tupou, he could be a bolter possibly," Gallen said.
"He's an Israel Folau type body shape – big and tall – and when you kick a ball to him like that … probably nine times out of ten he's going to score."
"He's an Israel Folau type body shape – big and tall – and when you kick a ball to him like that … probably nine times out of ten he's going to score."