NSW Rugby League boss Dave Trodden has hit out at Laurie Daley's critics, scotching suggestions the Blues coach's job was ever in jeopardy.
It was speculated that Daley was under pressure after Queensland wrapped up this year's series inside two games and having overseen three series losses in four years.
However NSWRL chief executive Trodden said that was never the case and that Daley, who is contracted until 2017, was never threatened with the axe.
"The reality of the situation is that Laurie has always been contracted until the end of next year," Trodden said.
"Our chairman Dr George Peponis has made comments confirming his support for Laurie and any speculation to the contrary doesn't come from anybody in NSWRL.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"It's just a bit of speculation."
The Blues were criticised for their inability to score points in the opening two games before claiming a four-point win in the finale.
They dominated the Maroons in Wednesday's game three dead rubber, controlling 58 per cent of possession and running for nearly 500 metres more than their opposition.
They also had 51 tackles in their opposition's 20-metre zone to Queensland's 17 and won the penalty count 12-3, yet only scored three tries.
While the Blues and Daley have had their knockers, he said he never felt under threat.
"No I didn't. Without going into it, I had received a lot of phone calls from people that told me I had their support," Daley said.
"I'm just so happy for the guys, all through the series I think we've competed really well against a really good team.
"Twelve changes - if you think about it, if Queensland made 12 changes to their team and had to debut eight guys this year, would they be the same team? I don't know."
