I need to speak to Gould says Daley

NSW coach Laurie Daley plans to talk to Phil Gould about his constant criticism of the Blues.

Gould was scathing in his assessment of the Blues after they lost another State of Origin series, the 10th in 11 years, on Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium.

NSW’s most successful coach Gould said the Blues fish was rotting from its head and labelled the leadership of Paul Gallen and Robbie Farah as “selfish” and said it was the main reason for the team’s lack of success.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, Phil has been a great Origin coach and there are things that I agree with that Phil says and there are things I don’t agree with,” Daley said.

But working with this group of players (I know) they are a good bunch and they all get on very well.

“I haven’t spoken to him. I have great respect for Gus he is certainly one of the most knowledgeable guys in our game, so I will pick up the phone and give him a yell and discuss what he thinks.

“I am sure we will keep that private though.”

Gould has long called for Gallen to be excluded from the Blues and indicated he felt Farah’s time was done too.

Stalwarts Greg Bird and Michael Jennings are others that could be moved on, if NSW move to blood new players.

However, Bird said the criticism of Gallen, who has featured in every series in Queensland’s current dominance, wasn’t warranted.

“I think it’s unfair, but that’s coming from a mate,” he said.

“I know what Gal does. I know what he does behind the scenes.

“I reckon you could ask the 17 other players that we’ve got in there, not one of them will say he’s a selfish player. He’s our captain and I love him like a brother.”

NSW prop Aaron Woods, who will likely take over the NSW captaincy next year, called for Gallen be permitted to play one final Origin match in game three next month.

“He’s our leader and he’s earned the right to go out on his own terms,” Woods said.

“He made the call at the start of the year which is unselfish.”

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