SHE is the wife of the most important man in NSW rugby league but New Zealander Michelle Daley was raised to support just one team — the All Blacks.
But Blue is well and truly the new black as Michelle and her children Caitlin, 15, and Will, 12, throw their support behind husband and father Laurie Daley in the countdown to Wednesday night’s opening State of Origin game in Brisbane.
Michelle, the cousin of All Blacks legend Frano Botica, yesterday donned blue to support her famous husband, as did Laurie’s kids, Will, 12, and Caitlin, 15.
Aside from guiding the Blues in their quest to end Queensland’s eight-year series reign, Laurie has another important role — coaching Will’s under-12s Brothers side, which competes in the North Sydney junior rugby league comp.
“Laurie has put so much time and effort into this series,” said Michelle, who will watch NSW in action this week.
“I hope he has success because he truly deserves it.
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“This isn’t just three games. Laurie has been preparing for this moment since game three last year.
“NSW went so close back then and I know the Blues are on the verge of doing something special.
“Laurie has everything in place for the team. I know he will share any highs and lows with his side. He has a ‘one-in, all-in’ approach. The whole of NSW will be behind him.”
The Blues shifted camp last night from their Coffs Harbour base to Brisbane.
They will have a rest day in enemy territory today before a final captain’s run tomorrow.
Players claim Daley, regarded as one of league’s nice guys, has lost that gentle demeanour during Origin camp.
After admitting he dropped incumbent NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce because of his boozy night out in Sydney’s eastern suburbs a fortnight ago, Daley banned alcohol from the team’s bonding night last week.
Originally published as Family is the true Blue force behind NSW mastermind Laurie Daley
