LAURIE DALEY hit out at “hidden agendas” from critics after leading New South Wales to a State of Origin series victory.
The Blues were 30-12 victors over Queensland in the decider on enemy territory at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
It’s only Daley’s second series win in seven attempts across two spells as head coach but after defeat in Game Two brought criticism – and questions over his position – he felt vindicated.
“No one likes criticism and I get that it comes, so you’ve got to accept it and cop it,” said Daley.
“But there’s some parts of criticism that go way above others, which I get really disappointed with. People that report like that need to have a hard look at themselves.
“I think it was hidden agendas. Sometimes things are planted in the media too, so I’d love to know where that comes from.
“I knew that’s how it all works but when you put a lot into a game and put a lot into trying to be the person you are and people attack you from an angle, you go ‘wow’.”
Daley, who is off-contract as Blues boss, says he has made his mind up on whether or not to remain coach but said announcing his decision was “for another day”.
Like in the series opener, Nathan Cleary inspired their emphatic win and Daley added: “This week I just wanted us to prove to ourselves that we’re a good footy side.
“That’s what we’ve been building and I was really happy with the performance. I was happy everyone gave everything they had and that’s what you’re after.”
Billy Slater is also yet to confirm his future as Queensland coach after suffering a second series loss to go with three wins in charge.
“There’s been way too much talk about me – this is not about me,” he said.
“I’m here to help this team and while I feel I can commit to that, I’ll be here.
“If someone else is better for the position, I’m more than willing to help them out too.
“I’m in this position because I care about it, I care about this footy team. I did when I was five years old and I still do today.
“Whilst I can help and add value to the team preparing, I’ll consider being here.”
The Maroons were favourites going into the clash but Slater admitted: “We just weren’t quite good enough tonight.
“I wouldn’t say (we were) out-enthused. I thought there was a fair bit of enthusiasm from our team, a fair bit of heart, and we never gave up.
“We had our chances and we made it pretty hard on ourselves at certain times, and that probably took a fair bit of juice out of us.”