NSW coach Laurie Daley has added former St George Illawarra coach Andrew Farrar to his backroom staff as the team manager for this year’s State of Origin series.
Farrar had a distinguished playing career as a centre with Canterbury, where he won three premierships, and represented the Blues seven times between 1984-90.
He then spent a year with Western Suburbs after leaving the Bulldogs in 1991, before enjoying a hugely successful two-season stint with English giants Wigan, helping the Warriors to successive premiership and Challenge Cup doubles.
After returning to Australia in 1994 he closed out his career with the Illawarra Steelers and became coach in 1997.
Farrar led the Steelers in their final season in 1998 before the merger with St George and took over as head coach of the joint-venture in 2002 before spending six years as a board director at Canterbury.
The 51-year-old replaces long-time Blues team manager Craig Young, who’s now part of Steve Price’s coaching staff at the Dragons, and Daley said his experience will be a huge asset in his quest to end Queensland’s eight-year Origin stranglehold.
“He’s a guy who has been around the game for a long time, he’s well-respected, and he’s been successful on and off the field,” Daley said.
“He’s been around a lot of teams and he knows what’s involved in successful outfits. He’ll bring a lot to the table.”
Farrar said he was excited at the prospect of being involved with the team, who will be based in Coffs Harbour before the first and final matches of the series which take place in Brisbane.
“I’ve known Laurie for a long time, and this was too good an opportunity to miss,” Farrar said.
“I’ve been around footy for an extended period, as a player and as a coach, and over the last six years as a director.
“This is one of those things you don’t apply for; you get asked to do.
“From what I have witnessed, both Laurie and (NSW CEO) David Trodden are doing a fantastic job in attempting to create a successful environment.
“In regards to the State of Origin unit, my job will be to help ensure that environment is replicated in camp with the Blues.”
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