The former winger drew comparisons to The Simpsons character Sideshow Bob because of his striking hairstyle. He developed late as a competitor after roles collecting refuse and serving drinks prior to claiming rugby league top prizes. Moreover he has zero first-grade coaching background after a decade in support positions.

Though his hair is now closely cropped the bald Matt King remains a surprising selection to guide one of the games most visible sides the New South Wales Blues. He will succeed Laurie Daley who resigned after securing the shield this season. King concedes he has not always possessed the assurance needed to serve as head coach.

Five years back I questioned if coaching suited me to be frank he remarked. I was still weighing options for my future and imagined a path that excluded rugby league.

After debuting in top grade at twenty-three the one-time Casino Cougar rose to rugby league stardom inside two seasons. During his opening State of Origin campaign he notched a hat-trick in the finale at Lang Park and claimed the inaugural Brad Fittler medal as the Blues standout performer.

King represented Australia in ten Tests yet he exited the NRL almost as swiftly as he arrived at its summit. He departed for Warrington Wolves in 2008 after receiving a larger contract than any Australian club offered and returned briefly with the Rabbitohs before hanging up his boots in 2013.

His coaching path over the last ten years has followed a winding route that included oversight of NSW Under-18s plus assistant duties with Lebanon under Michael Cheika the Roosters under Trent Robinson and the Blues under both Michael Maguire and Daley.

As I advanced my club experience especially at the Roosters helped build conviction and the recent seasons proved vital to my growth King noted.

Madge demonstrated faith by placing me in a key position under him and entrusting me with important elements of the NSW program which proved crucial for my confidence he added while also crediting Cheika and Robinson.

His duties with NSW over the past two seasons ultimately convinced him he could advance further. King handled the Blues attack under Daley while the head coach concentrated on motivation and media duties.

Loz remained in charge yet he delegated substantial football matters to staff based in clubland and that allowed me to develop genuine belief in my capacity so that when this chance arose I felt ready to seize it King explained.

Daley captured this years Origin series amid heavy questions about his coaching credentials given his lack of first-grade experience. His achievement underscores how the Origin coaching role differs from club level.

The ex-Raiders five-eighth freely delegated most football tasks inside the Blues camp to King his lead assistant and colleagues such as Melbourne Storm football general manager Frank Ponissi mind coach Gilbert Enoka and former players Boyd Cordner and Brett White.

Daleys method and the Blues triumph illustrate why King who has never steered a team through an NRL season yet earns respect as a former representative may suit the three-match Origin environment. He also recognises the scrutiny ahead.

Loz handled pressure in a manner I respected and never shifted it onto staff or players throughout his time under fire King said. He took it all himself and I admired that approach.

King missed out two years earlier when Daley received the appointment yet the NSWRL board identified him as the long-term choice and promised him the post later. They acted promptly once Daley stepped aside this week. The intention was always that Matt would assume this position because he is the ideal candidate said David Trodden NSWRL chief executive who noted he had been aware for some time that Daley would depart.

King described the 2024 snub as painful and acknowledged the gamble involved in trusting the pledge since Daley might have remained for years. I realised I was taking a chance he said. Yet everything unfolded over those two seasons and Troddo proved true to his word keeping the promise made a couple of years ago and I am grateful for that.

Time spent with Maguire and Daley also clarified the traits King values in a State of Origin player. You must be resilient to compete in Origin you require sharp focus on your strengths and how they connect with the group so team unity matters greatly he said. The final element is finding the bravery to express your game.