Laurie Daley’s classy gesture towards Origin successor
JUST moments after NSW’s series win over Queensland in Sydney, Brad Fittler turned on his mobile phone and received a simple six-word text which meant the world to the victorious Blues coach.
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IT was the simple six-word text which meant the world to victorious Blues coach Brad Fittler.
Just moments after NSW’s euphoric series win over Queensland in Sydney, Fittler turned on his mobile phone and it beeped with a text message.
It was from Laurie Daley, the NSW coach from the previous five years.
Hurt and aggrieved when sacked in August last year, Daley still remained solid to the Blues — and his mate Fittler.
The text was short yet heartfelt: “Well done Freddie, great result, Loz.”
Fittler immediately replied to show his appreciation. It once again showed Daley’s true character.
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“I was happy for Freddie — it was good to see,’ Daley told The Daily Telegraph. “He did it his way and it was great.
“He really did an exceptional job and the state was very happy and proud. Hopefully, without getting too carried away, this is the start of a good period for NSW, which I think it can be.
“After all the bad times we have had over the last how-many years, it was good to see people at ANZ Stadium stand up and support NSW. They have a good team to get behind.”
Pressed on his own demise, Daley said: “Anytime that happens, you’re always disappointed but you move on.
“I’ve made some great friends at NSWRL and I have great relationships with all those players. Dave (Trodden, NSWRL CEO) has done a great job.
“Once you have something to do with them, you love them like your own.”
Fittler was touched by Daley’s text message.
“Laurie is always welcome — everyone loves him, he’s the best,” Fittler said.
“It was just one of those situations. There was a little bit of awkwardness but I know he has always been supportive.
“He has always been like that, he wouldn’t know any other way. Laurie did take on a hard job.
“He has been incredibly supportive, so have a lot of the other coaches as well. The club coaches have really helped, all the ex-players, they have been great.”
Daley said NSW thoroughly deserved their 18-14 win which clinched the series.
“It was a tough game and some stages there NSW was under the pump,” Daley said.
“But they hung on and I just felt happy and proud, more so for the guys who have been there in the past but also for the new guys.”
Fittler will announce his side for State of Origin III this Monday at 9.30am inside ANZ Stadium with the same 17 players expected to be named.
“I would assume so — I couldn’t imagine too much would change,” Fittler said. “But we have to keep our powder dry.”
The Blues are hellbent on securing a 3-0 whitewash while Queensland will attempt to send brilliant fullback Billy Slater into representative retirement as a winner.
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