The grandest stage of rugby league has lost its lustre for top coaches. The surprise appointment by the Queensland Rugby League of novice Darius Boyd ensured the Maroons and Blues would both head into the 2027 State of Origin series led by individuals without a single match of NRL head coaching experience.
There is a long history of coaches in the Origin arena who – like Laurie Daley, Brad Fittler, Paul Vautin and Kevin Walters – are seen more as inspirational figures and less astute rugby league architects. And of course, the interstate rivals would have had just as much NRL coaching experience had Billy Slater continued for Queensland given NSW handed the reins to longtime assistant Matt King last month.
