Get to know Daly

Since being signed as a prodigious young player from Queensland, Daly’s career has included premierships, Origin victories and proudly representing his country as well as ascending to the captaincy of one rugby league’s most famous clubs.

Daly won the 2011 premiership as a youngster with Manly, won the Clive Churchill Medal as best player in the grand final from the losing team as Manly lost to the Roosters in 2013, and captained the Maroons to glory in rugby league’s fiercest rivalry, the State of Origin, in 2020 and 2022.

All up the 33-year-old has played more than 250 games for the Sea Eagles, 15 Tests for the Kangaroos and represented the Maroons on 19 occasions.

But perhaps his biggest yet most rewarded role is being a devoted dad to three daughters.

“Being a dad to three daughters is amazing,” Daly said smiling. “Although times aren’t always perfect, when push to comes to shove I know they would do anything for me and I would do anything for them. It’s unconditional love!”

“But probably the thing I love most is trying to understand what makes my kids happy. Guiding them and supporting them to give them every opportunity to live a happy life.”

QHow big an inspiration are the girls to your career, have you changed the way you go about your work since they were born?

AThey are a massive part of my career in regard to giving me inspiration. With all of the sacrifices we make as athletes it’s my kids I think of when times are tough to get me through.

QYou’ve been lucky enough to have some amazing moments in your career and recently the State of Origin win was another one - does the family also enjoy those special career moments and do you enjoy them taking part in that?

AIt’s the moments after big games I appreciate the most these days. Embracing and celebrating with your teammates out on the field then making your way over to my family are moments I hold so close. 
My partner Vessa and the kids actually couldn’t be at the game when we won the 2020 State of Origin due to closed borders. So being able to have them there after winning this year’s decider was an extremely special moment for not just me but my family also 

QOn a normal game day, do you like to relax or do you try to keep away from the family?

AThe 24 hours heading into a game is pretty relaxed if I’m honest and the kids are usually playing a part in that. My partner does a fantastic job of taking the kids out to the shops or off to the park so they aren’t on top of me all day which I’m always grateful for!

QAs the kids grow is it getting harder or easier or just different being a Dad?

ASome thing become easier and others become more difficult … for example, I don’t have to change nappies these days which makes life easier! But I must admit as the kids get older their personalities become stronger which makes for some very interesting convos between us all!

QHaving 3 girls must be fun, tell us about those challenges?

AOf course it comes with its challenges but that’s what makes it so enjoyable. The emotions are always running wild with my girls - and maybe my emotions also haha!! But nothing beats a moment like a big cuddle to comfort your daughter when she needs it most.  


QWhat is your favourite activity with the girls?

AI may be an athlete who looks after himself but I have a massive sweet tooth so I’m always up for ice cream with the kids or quick stop at the local corner store!

QWhen the season ends do you have a special family trip planned?

AWe haven’t got anything planned as yet but I will definitely be booking them a holiday once our time off is confirmed. They deserve a nice holiday for having to put up with me throughout a footy season. We are regulars for a holiday at Hamilton Island so that could be on again for us. 

Now let's hear from Vessa & the girls

QWhat is Daly's best asset as a father?

ADaly has so much patience and time for the girls. He makes sure they know they can achieve anything but you have to work hard to get there.


QWhat makes your dad so great?

ANavi: He is funny and good at wrestling.
Harvie: He does good hugs when we get to sleep together in the same bed. 
Tully: When he comes home he plays with me and talks to me.