NSW's State of Origin stars insist their are no hard feelings over Michael Maguire's sudden exit for Brisbane, while adamant his legacy can last into next season.
Blues officials were left back at square one on Tuesday, officially releasing Maguire from the final year of his contract as Origin coach.
NSW Rugby League directors will now begin a lengthy search for his successor, with no obvious options.
Paul McGregor, Brett White, Matt King, Danny Buderus and John Cartwright are among men who have been assistants in recent years, along with Andrew Johns.
But players said they could completely understand Maguire's decision, with the 50-year-old the first Blues coach since 1985 to leave immediately after a maiden series win.
"He's always come out and said that was his ultimate goal, to get back to NRL club land," Blues vice-captain Isaah Yeo said.
"It was certainly something he would be chasing at some stage. It's just that it's popped up now.
"The way he set up this year, it was the most outstanding Origin campaign I have been part of. And obviously it's easy to say that when you win a big one at Suncorp.
"But the way the whole set up was, he did a wonderful job for the Blues. I couldn't wrap him enough. I wish him all the best for that role."
Penrith five-eighth Jarome Luai, who Maguire recalled after his axing for Origin III last year, also said he could see the merit in the coach's decision.
"He's a massive loss, man, it's pretty sad," Luai said.
"I understand the role he wants to be in. He wants to be coaching week in, week out.
"I think it was a bit hard for him after we did win that series to then say 'what's next for me?'
"I respect his decision, he's got a family as well, and I think he's got ambitions to do great things with the club."
Maguire's exit means the Blues are in search for more than just a coach.
The structure of the entire camp will likely be determined by a new coach, along with whether they return to a Blue Mountains camp after this year's success.
But regardless, Yeo said the culture Maguire implemented would have lasting impacts.
"There was an onus on the players to make sure there is a real buy in there," Yeo said.
"That was certainly the case this year, the way he set up the camp and the preparations and other things, it was pretty special to be part of."
