The next NSW State of Origin coach won’t have an affiliation with an NRL club.
The NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) board resolved on Friday to adhere to its policy of a full-time coach when they employ Laurie Daley’s replacement.
NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said the board would now identify candidates over the next two months.
“The overriding consideration is to avoid, for both the coach’s benefit and players’ benefit, perceptions of conflict of interest, also the reality of conflicts of interest in selecting players,” Trodden said on Friday.
Trodden would not put a timeline on the appointment process but he expected the next Blues coach would be named before Christmas.
“What we want to do is get the best possible person so it will take as long as it takes,” he said.
“I’d be surprised if the appointment wasn’t made this year.
“But I wouldn’t like to say it’ll be next month or the month after.”
Daley was sacked in late August after losing his fourth series since taking the reins five years ago.
Trodden wouldn’t speculate on the availability of dumped NRL coaches Des Hasler and Michael Maguire.