The smile on NSWRL boss Dave Trodden’s face as he prepared to announce the return of Laurie Daley as NSW coach on Monday said it all. He’d won.

Seven years and three months ago, the NSWRL board had voted against Trodden’s proposal to reappoint Daley. On Monday, Trodden enjoyed the last laugh as he announced the return of his trusted ally at the helm of the NSW Origin side.

A lot has happened at the NSWRL since Daley last walked through the door,........

© The Sydney Morning Herald