Laurie Daley invited Stuart Diver, a Thredbo landslide survivor, into the NSW Blues camp to motivate the squad ahead of the State of Origin decider.

Diver first addressed the squad on the Central Coast before game one, reinforcing the theme of belief under pressure and contributing to NSW’s historic comeback.

Diver shared his survival lessons—staying present, finding a personal 'why,' and harnessing inner strength—to bolster belief and resilience.

Inspired by Diver’s message, the NSW Blues staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Queensland in Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium, sealing the series.

Daley kept Diver involved through the series, signaling a strategic emphasis on psychological edge and inner strength as a key factor in their success.

Diver’s survival story was highlighted by Daley as a powerful influence on the team’s mindset, underscoring the emotional and motivational value of hearing a survivor’s perspective during intense scrutiny.

Isaah Yeo, NSW captain, lifted the State of Origin shield as the Blues celebrated the series victory, with Diver joining the celebrations and remaining a source of inspiration for the team.

Diver spoke about his wife Sally’s death and how his determination to survive shaped his mental preparation, providing a framework for resilience for the team.