HOW STATE OF ORIGIN’S MOST-RECENT FIRST-TIME COACHES HAVE FARED:
* Billy Slater (2022)
Slater made changes from the team that was trounced by NSW in the prior series, and was able to lead Queensland to their first win in Sydney since 2017 in Game I. NSW hit back strong in Game II, but with Slater as coach the Maroons produced a backs-to-the-wall victory to claim back the shield in the Suncorp Stadium decider.
* Paul Green (2021)
On the wrong end of the point-scoring spree that was 2021. Green’s Maroons got caught out by Tom Trbojevic in his record-breaking season, with the Manly star dominant at right centre while Latrell Mitchell carved up on the left. NSW put 52 on Queensland in the Townsville first game and destroyed them in Game II in Brisbane, before the Maroons salvaged some pride in the dead rubber.
* Brad Fittler (2018)
Made bulk changes and brought in the next generation of Blues after years of disappointment. Fittler debuted 11 men for the series opener at the MCG, where Nathan Cleary steered NSW to a first-up victory. They then wrapped the series, winning at home three weeks later and lifting the shield for only the second time in 12 years.
* Kevin Walters (2016)
Mal Meninga’s exit for the Kangaroos Test job prompted some thought that Queensland’s dynasty would soon come to an end. It wasn’t to be, with Walters continuing the Maroons dominance. Queensland held on for a plucky 6-4 win at Accor Stadium before clinching the series at Suncorp Stadium.
* Laurie Daley (2013)
It was the same old story for NSW under Daley with an eighth straight series loss. But there were at least signs of turning things around for the Blues. They led a series for the first time in five years when they won Game I at home, before being comprehensively outplayed in Game II in Brisbane. NSW then had their chances to end the drought in the decider in Sydney, but couldn’t make the most of better attacking opportunities during a 12-10 loss.
