The Agenda Setters Rugby League on Channel 7: Matt King – ‘I wasn’t ready two years ago’ – New NSW Blues coach Matt King has revealed it “stung” to miss out on the job two years ago, telling The Agenda Setters: Rugby League on Channel 7 tonight that he was not ready then. King joined the show live on the day he started with the Blues.
The Blues unveiled King as coach on 4 August, the day after Laurie Daley resigned. He signed a two-year deal through 2028, with an option for 2029. He has also been part of Michael Cheika’s Lebanon coaching staff at the Rugby League World Cup.
King spoke to Corey Parker, David Riccio, Aaron Woods and Luke Keary. Earlier this year, Keary told the show that no one was coming to save NSW ahead of State of Origin.
Matt King on 2026: ‘A wild, wild ride’
King looked back on a big year that included Origin, the Roosters and Lebanon.
Matt King: “I love footy, hands down, but 2026 has been, for me, one of the great years. Origin this year was really special, what Teddy did for us in game one, and then game three up there at Suncorp, I’ll never forget that. And then Roosters, we managed to get it done, and then Lebanon, and then I start with the Blues today, actually, mate. So it’s been a wild, wild ride, and I’m just so grateful to be a part of it.”
Is Matt King ready for Origin scrutiny?
Riccio said there is no pressure cooker like State of Origin, where every fan has a say on selections. He asked King whether he was ready for that scrutiny.
Matt King: “Yeah, yeah, I am, Dave. A couple of different reasons, mate. I’ve been coaching for 13 years now, three years with Madge at the Rabbitohs when I first retired, and then I’ve had 10 years with Trent Robinson. He’s in the argument for the best we’ve seen in the last couple of decades, mate. So I feel like I’m really ready. I’ve had three years now, one year under Madge again, and then two years under Lozza.”
‘It stung when I didn’t get it’
King then shared the story of missing out when Daley was appointed.
Matt King: “Little quick story there, mate. I went for the job when Loz (Laurie Daley) got it a couple of years ago, and it stung when I didn’t get it. I really wanted it, but I wasn’t ready two years ago. You count your blessings at different times, mate, and things happen for a reason.”
Matt King: “I needed a right shotgun beside Loz these last couple of years. The lessons I learned were incredible, mate, and I feel like I’m ready to go now”
Matt King on Trent Robinson’s influence
Keary, who played under Trent Robinson at the Roosters, asked King about the coach’s influence over the past decade. King credited Craig Bellamy and Michael Maguire for teaching him toughness, before turning to Robinson.
Matt King: “I got brought up in the school of Craig Bellamy and Michael Maguire, and it’s just what I needed in my career. They taught me how to be so tough. I thought I knew the meaning of hard work and discipline, dedication. I didn’t. Craig Bellamy taught me those meanings.”
Matt King: “And then I get to fast forward to Trent Robinson, and it’s just a full university on how rugby league should be played, mate. And it took me 10 years to pass a test. That’s how long it took me to get there. So whether it’s defence, attack, transitions, cultural, an attachment to a greater cause, Robbo’s been incredible, and yeah, I do owe him so much.”
The interview aired at 7.54pm AEDT on The Agenda Setters: Rugby League on Channel 7 and 7plus.
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