After breaking his jaw in the State of Origin exhibition game in Los Angeles in 1987, Daley spent five weeks on the sidelines as Manly made their charge towards the Grand Final.
He returned in time for the major semi-final against Eastern Suburbs, and after having his jaw tested early by some punishing Roosters defense, his confidence rose and Manly were on their way to the Grand Final with a 10–6 win.
He played in three State of Origin matches for New South Wales including the 1987 Exhibition Game in Los Angeles in which he fractured his jaw.
Maroons captain Wally Lewis ran about 10 metres to stop Daley's punches on Conescu, and an all-in brawl ensued.
Daley represented for Australia at Test level in the first and second Tests of the 1988 Ashes series against the touring Great Britain Lions (coached by former Manly premiership player Mal Reilly, and featuring Daley's 1987 Grand Final front row partner Kevin Ward).