Former NSW State of Origin captain Danny Buderus says he has no interest in replacing Laurie Daley if he steps down as Blues coach.

Daley could stand down as NSW mentor within weeks, as the 47-year-old remains coy on his future after the Blues’ 2017 Origin series loss.

Buderus is seen as a potential contender for the role given his involvement with the NSW junior system, including his position as Blues under-20s coach this season.

But the former Newcastle interim coach says he has no interest in replacing Daley next year.

“My role as it is, is as a pathways coach now and I still will be that,” Buderus told AAP.

“It’s a bit of a pressure job that one (NSW). I’m happy doing what I’m doing.”

NSW City Origin coach Brad Fittler is considered the front-runner for the role, having also led the under-18s and under-16s squads this year.

Former under-20s coach Dean Pay could also be a contender as could Country Origin coach Craig Fitzgibbon.

Former Manly mentor Geoff Toovey could also be considered an outside chance, given his reputation as one of the Blues’ toughest players and his four-year stint at the Sea Eagles.

Meanwhile Cronulla mentor Shane Flanagan said he had no ambitions of filling the role in 2018.

A former assistant coach for the Blues, Flanagan won a premiership with the Sharks last season and has become one of the most respected coaches in the game.

“It would be a great honour,” Flanagan said.

“But it’s not something I’ve thought about.

“I’ve got a contract here at the Sharks for another few years and I’ve got a lot of work to do. In my view you can’t do both.

“I did a little bit with Craig (Bellamy) a couple of years ago and I saw the affect it had on him. If you’re going to put 100 per cent into it it’d be really hard to do both.”