Ricky Stuart has lashed the NSWRL for their "disgraceful" handling of NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley's sacking.
It was announced on Friday that Daley's contract would not be renewed after a month-long review into the Blues' 2017 Origin capitulation.
But Stuart was less than impressed with the way his former Raiders teammate and fellow Blues great was shown the door.
"Laurie's one of the greatest legends of Origin football and being a Blue he should have been treated a lot more respectfully than the way it was done today," Stuart said.
"I thought it was disgraceful how it was done.
"He deserves a lot more respect in regards to how he lost his position."
Daley took over NSW in 2013 from Stuart and led them to their drought-breaking 2014 series win.
He had remained coy on his future after last month's 22-6 series-deciding defeat but eventually the decision was taken out of his hands.
"You've only got to have a couple of smarts about yourself to know that was a very disrespectful way to lose your job," Stuart said.
"If they knew it was going to happen it should have been done quietly and calmly and let Laurie finish off the way he wanted to finish off and let him have an announcement."
As for Daley's replacement, NSWRL chairman Dr George Peponis told AAP on Friday that NRL club coaches won't be ruled out.
Stuart led the Blues to victory in 2005 while also in charge the Sydney Roosters and was the first full-time NSW coach, leading the side in 2011 and 2012.
He doesn't believe juggling two roles is beyond the right candidate.
"It can be done," he said.
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