PETER Sterling is adamant that after more than a decade of Origin heartache, NSW is finally ready for some success.
Which, according to the Channel Nine and Fox commentator, makes the timing of his appointment as coach Laurie Daley’s new adviser all the more exciting.
“Yeah, I kind of feel like it’s a great time to be coming into the role,” Sterling said.
“You can just sense with the young squad Laurie is assembling and the pathways that are in place, we are on the verge of a really good period.”
Daley rang Sterling a fortnight ago to ask if he was interested in becoming involved.
“I was flattered when Loz rang me about it but gave it a lot of thought and considered whether it would fit in with my commitments at Nine and Fox,” he said.
“They won’t change and I’ve got to say I’m really excited by the opportunity to be a part of Origin in a different way.
“Basically, I’ll be a sounding board for Laurie and like most coaches, what he is looking to do is surround himself with opinions and take all of those on board on top of his own and he’s the boss and will then come up with a decision.
“I felt that I could help out in some areas. I watch every game every weekend and I’ve watched every Origin game ever played so I think I can help out.
“I wouldn’t have taken the role on if I didn’t think I could provide some helpful and positive input.
NSW coach Laurie Daley will still be the boss. Picture: Gregg PorteousSource:News Corp Australia
WHAT STERLO PROMISED LOZ
Sterling revealed he made Daley three promises when he accepted the job.
“I told him I won’t be offended if he doesn’t like my opinion, that whatever is spoken about between us will be kept that way and the third promise was I wouldn’t be coveting his job.
“So he won’t be looking over the shoulder at me at all.”
As for how much influence he will have at the selection table, Sterling is unsure.
Earlier this season, he publicly called for the axing of skipper Paul Gallen, believing it was time for Daley to inject some new blood.
“I’ll have my opinions about all of the players who may be in contention. That’s the role and that’s what Lauire wants,” he said.
“But just how influential I’ll be I don’t know. Time will tell. But I’m not going to be offended whatever happens.
“When you look at the current squad that he’s put together and those he has involved in the past couple of years, the young Blues coming through, I don’t know if there will be too many contentious positions in the next year’s series anyway.
“With the introduction of Frizell, Moylan and these type of players, Tedesco — these are long term players so it will be about filling in a few gaps here and there
“Like I said, I think NSW is ready for success and I kind of feel like I’m coming in at a really good time.”
Originally published as The 3 things Sterlo promised Laurie Daley