Laurie Daley’s daughter Caitlin has hit back after being accused of ‘disgusting’ behaviour during New South Wales’ State of Origin series-clinching victory over Queensland in Brisbane.
The 26-year-old took to Instagram in the days after the Blues’ 30-12 win at Suncorp Stadium to share a series of celebratory photos alongside her father, friends and family after NSW secured the 2026 title.
Among the posts was a screenshot of a scathing message directed at the Daley family, which criticised Caitlin’s conduct during the celebrations.
‘The way in which your daughter behaved at last nights origin game was nothing short of disgusting!! I would be absolutely mortified,’ the comment read.
‘Never questioned your ability to coach but certainly questioning your ability in how she was raised after what I witnessed.’
The Instagram account that posted the criticism has since been deactivated or is no longer available.
Laurie Daley’s daughter Caitlin is pictured celebrating inside the Blues’ dressing room after New South Wales claimed the 2026 series
Laurie Daley (holding shield) is pictured with Caitlin after his Blues pulled off one of the greatest underdog wins in Origin history
Daley’s daughter publicly shared a message (pictured) criticising her alleged behaviour following the State of Origin decider
The Daily Mail has contacted Caitlin for comment.
Rather than ignore the criticism, Caitlin chose to share it publicly with her followers.
She also posted another image carrying a message echoing one of her father’s most memorable quotes from his post-match press conference.
‘Show some balls – Laurie Daley,’ she wrote.
The post appeared to reference Daley’s fiery response to weeks of criticism surrounding his coaching before the deciding match.
Following the NSW victory, the Blues coach launched an extraordinary defence of himself and his players while taking aim at critics he believed had crossed the line.
‘No one likes criticism. I get that. You know it comes, so you’ve got to accept it and cop it,’ Daley said.
‘But there’s some parts of criticism that go way, way above others which I get really disappointed with.
Supporters rallied behind Caitlin, describing her public response to the online criticism as ‘iconic’ and ‘tough’
Caitlin first entered the Origin spotlight as a teenager supporting her father’s inaugural Blues coaching campaign
‘People that report like that need to have a hard look at themselves.’
Daley later challenged some of those who had questioned him throughout the series.
‘It wasn’t about the last laugh,’ he said.
‘It was just about these blokes playing the best they possibly could. And in particular when people have a crack when they don’t even come to a training session, they won’t front up to press conferences. Show some balls. Where are they now?’
He also suggested some of the criticism had affected those closest to him.
‘People would say, “Oh mate, are you okay?” and I go, “Yeah, why?”
‘I don’t like it but you accept it, but it’s other people that get affected by it as well when they go heavy.’
Caitlin’s Instagram posts showed her celebrating with the State of Origin shield inside the Blues’ dressing room, posing with her father and family members, and enjoying the victory with friends at Suncorp Stadium.
One image also showed her sticking out her tongue while giving the camera the middle finger as she celebrated the Blues’ triumph.
Despite the negative comment she shared, the overwhelming response from her followers was supportive.
‘Omg what is with that comment!!!!’ one follower wrote.
Others praised her response, posting comments including ‘TOUGH’, ‘Heroic, iconic, brave, outstanding’, ‘Clap back up the bluesssssss bbyyyy’, ‘YEAH THE DALEYS!!!’, ‘This is tuff as’, and ‘Respect Family’.
The public support came more than a decade after Caitlin first found herself in the spotlight as a teenager when her father began his first stint as NSW coach.
In 2014, Caitlin, then 15, was photographed alongside her mother Michelle and younger brother Will proudly backing Laurie ahead of his first State of Origin series in charge of the Blues.
Michelle, a New Zealander and cousin of All Blacks great Frano Botica, said at the time that her husband had devoted himself entirely to the role.
‘Laurie has put so much time and effort into this series,’ she said.
‘I hope he has success because he truly deserves it.
‘This isn’t just three games. Laurie has been preparing for this moment since game three last year.’
