Arabic version: تعيين مات كينغ مدرباً لبلوز نيو ساوث ويلز في سلسلة «ستيت أوف أوريجن»

According to ABC News, Matt King has been named head coach of the NSW Blues men’s State of Origin team, following Laurie Daley’s decision to step down on Monday. King was announced in the role on Tuesday after Daley guided New South Wales to a series victory over Queensland in 2026.

King represented the Blues nine times between 2005 and 2007 and played more than 200 first-grade matches for Melbourne, South Sydney and Warrington across the NRL and England’s Super League. The 45-year-old has also worked as a long-time assistant coach under Trent Robinson at the Sydney Roosters and has been part of the Blues coaching staff since 2024.

“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.” He said the NSW Blues had been “the one true rugby league love of my life” and that the chance to guide the program meant “the absolute world” to him.

Daley left the position after the Blues won the 2026 series, sealed by a 30-12 victory in the deciding match at Lang Park. It was only the fourth time NSW had won a deciding Game III in Brisbane. Daley said he was proud of how the players dealt with challenges during the series and produced their best performance in Game Three to secure the win.