King ready to build on Daley's legacy as Blues enter new era

NSW Blues coach Matt King has been tasked with leading the side's State of Origin series defence after being unveiled as Laurie Daley's replacement on Tuesday morning. 

King was part of Daley's coaching staff as the Blues orchestrated a stunning Game Three victory in this year's series and has been promoted following the former coach's decision to stand down. 

A NSW and Australian representative during his playing days, King starred during NSW's iconic 2005 series victory before transitioning into coaching following his retirement in 2013.

Having served as a Blues assistant coach for the past three years, King is eager to build on the foundation laid by Michael Maguire and Laurie Daley. 

"I'm very clear on what it looks like to be the head coach of NSW," King said. "I've had a front-row seat the last couple of years with Laurie and 12 months before that with Michael Maguire. 

"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 former winger was on the Rabbitohs staff during their 2014 premiership campaign before later joining the Roosters and steadily progressed on a path towards a head coaching role. 

King is currently Trent Robinson's most-trusted lieutenant, even stepping in to coach a game in 2022 after the Roosters coach caught COVID. The 45-year-old has been on the Blues coaching staff for the past three series and was an assistant for Lebanon during the 2022 World Cup. 

The former Storm and South Sydney speedster has received plaudits from players and coaches across those roles and is widely respected by the current NSW playing squad. 

"He can do really well," NSW centre Stephen Crichton said. "His attention to detail is second to none, the way that he coaches and the respect he has for the boys, for what he’s done on the field and as a coach as well.

"He’s coached me ever since I’ve been in the Origin scene, so yeah, he’s been really good, and I know he’ll do really well."

NSWRL chief executive David Trodden described King as a "winner" and said his status as player with the Blues was right up there with the very best.

"It has been wonderful to watch Matt's development as a coach [at the Roosters] for a long period of time," Trodden said.

"Matt has been the senior assistant coach for the past two years and we are proud to announce the final step in the succession process is to appoint Matt as the new head coach of the NSW Blues.

"I have total confidence in what lies ahead and the great victories that are to come for NSW."

More to come...