The extraordinary friendship between Laurie Daley and Kevin Walters that transcends Origin

MONDAY BUZZ (Part 1): They say Origin is state against state and mate against mate. That runs all the way up to coaches Laurie Daley and Kevin Walters.

Cameron Smith, Kevin Walters, Laurie Daley and Paul Gallen, NRL State of Origin launch at ANZ Stadium, Homebush. Picture Craig Greenhill

EVERY Monday night at Fox Sports’ Artarmon studios Origin coaches Laurie Daley and Kevvie Walters sit down for a Thai takeaway meal in preparation for NRL 360.

There’s the two coaches, the host Ben Ikin, Paul Kent and myself.

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Ikin hands out the tip sheets which are done in his own handwriting.

We discuss the topics over massaman beef, chilli basil chicken, spicy fried rice, pad thai and Kenty’s favourite deep fried chicken wings.

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Well, it’s not about the preparation for the show or the Thai menu.

More to tell the story of the wonderful friendship between the two men who will be in the opposite coaching boxes at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.

They have been great mates since playing together at the Canberra Raiders as rookies in the late 80s.

They skim over Ikin’s notes then start chatting about life in general. Their kids and their families. A bit of footy here and there.

One night earlier this year they were so engrossed in their conversation they almost missed the beginning of their own segment.

Walters and Daley have been mates since their playing days.

As I was walking out of the studio, the two of them came flying down the corridor to get to their seats with seconds to spare.

They were enjoying each other’s company so much they forgot the time and it almost became the night the coach’s segment started without its two stars.

It’s the way they both are. Relaxed and laid-back.

These two are so different to the old Mal v Ricky, Wayne v Gus or Tommy v Fatty rivalries.

They talk footy and openly discuss Origin selections.

Over dinner one night Daley was talking about the defensive weaknesses of one of his contenders.

Kevvie nodded: “Yep we’ve noticed that.”

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Or Walters will be talking about one of his own selection headaches as Daley listens in.

It’s an unusual and incredible trust that only best mates could share.

Another night Daley was showing us statistics on his mobile phone for another Blues player who was a borderline contender.

I saw Kevvie coming from make-up and suggested he put it away.

“Nah,” Daley said, “He’ll have noticed it anyway.”

Daley says we shouldn’t misinterpret their relationship.

“We’re great mates but we’re both very competitive,” Daley said.

“When it gets to Origin, you want to win, and that’s all that counts.

“He’s a good fella and we’ll have a beer after the series.

“I really rate Kevvy as a coach. He’s got a great rapport with the players and did a fantastic job last year. Hopefully I can square up on him this season.”