Laurie Daley: The Debut Season

Sean Fagan of RL1908.com

While the Canberra Raiders remember 1987 as a landmark year as a result of their reaching the Winfield Cup grand final, the year is also as well known as the season that saw the debut of Laurie Daley.

Now a television commentator, there were few times even from the beginning of his career that Daley didn't look destined for the top.

Daley was first "spotted" by Don Furner while he was playing in the juniors at Junee aged 15 and he signed an undertaking to play for the Raiders. He remained in Junee for 1986 and after he kicked two field goals and starred in Junee's 10-6 win over the Young Cherrypickers in the 1st grade Group 9 grand final, the offers from other clubs came flooding in.

The sixteen year old Daley honoured his undertaking and settled in Canberra as it was still reasonably close to home. Daley represented Canberra's Flegg Cup side for 1987 and honed his skills.

A bonus for those who got there early for the annual City v Country day at Parramatta Stadium on May 16 was the Under 19s' game. Daley, along with someone called B Clyde, represented City although they were beaten by the Country team (who included Wayne Sing, Dean Pay, Derek McVey and Rod Wishart) 26 points to 18.

By mid 1987 Daley made his grade debut in Reserve grade after leap frogging the Under 23s. He didn't have to wait long to play first grade as he replaced Ivan Henjak with five minutes remaining in Canberra's 32-6 demolition of Cronulla at Endeavour Field on May 31, 1987.

Daley continued to play in Reserves and on June 28 he grabbed his first try for the Raiders against North Sydney although the Bears won 20-12. His most impressive efforts were on July 11 against Balmain as he scored three tries and kicked two goals to single-handedly lead the Raiders Reserve grade outfit to a 20-14 triumph. Daley was "rewarded" with the last twelve minutes in first grade that day as the Tigers thrashed Canberra 28-0.

On July 19 at Seiffert Oval Daley managed to play out the last fifteen minutes in firsts as Canberra beat Penrith 24-6. Daley replaced Peter Jackson, who had battled gamely with a shin injury that he had sustained in the State of Origin game earlier that week, and partnered Mal Meninga in the centres. Daley must have impressed enough as he gained selection in the First Grade side to play Wests at Orana Park the next Saturday.

Daley made a spectacular full match debut playing five-eighth as the Raiders led all the way to win 30-12 over the Magpies, despite missing Meninga and Chris O'Sullivan. Daley scored two tries in the space of six minutes midway through the second half. The press clambered around co-coach Furner after the game to find out about the young Daley.

"He has had a promising start for a 17 year old but he still has a long way to go", said Furner. "He has all the talents and he is a level-headed fellow. Laurie played well, but he has to forget about that and concentrate on next week. That's something we stress with all young players." "We have tried not to rush him. It's been a little easier for him coming into a winning team, too", Furner offered. "I think that is important for any young player coming into first grade ... playing in a winning team."

Canberra's other co-coach Wayne Bennett's advice to Daley was "You know what you've got to do ... not read the paper tomorrow!"

Despite his first up effort he was back in reserves for the subsequent game against Parramatta, as the firsts were flogged by the Eels 20-4. With the State of Origin players out Daley was recalled to partner Ivan Henjak in the centres against Manly at Brookvale Oval on August 9.

Canberra raced to a 10-2 lead over the premiership front runners but lost Dean Lance sent off for a high tackle in the twenty-first minute. Daley seemed to be playing soundly as the troops headed off at half time with the Raiders in front 16-10.

Unfortunately that's where Daley's match ended as he was replaced during the interval and Manly went on to win 20-18.

Daley spent the remainder of the season in reserve grade while the firsts managed to gain a top three finish for the semi finals. In the first semi against Easts the Raiders fumbled their way to a 25-16 loss to Eastern Suburbs and Daley grabbed his first taste of finals football when he replaced captain Lance for the last five minutes. As it turned out it was his only time on the field during the play-offs.

As Manly outlasted Canberra in the Grand Final, Daley sat on the reserves bench alongside another newcomer Glen Lazarus.

Although neither got on the field both lined up with the other Canberra players to receive their grand final medals after full time.

For Daley and Lazarus the disappointment of not playing would soon be forgotten after their success in the following years.