BY CURTIS WOODWARD

@woodward_curtis 

They faced off against each other 31 times during their glittering careers – 16 of those matches at State of Origin level. In just over a week, Brad Fittler and Kevin Walters start a new chapter in their storied rivalry.

It may have taken almost twenty years, but two of the most decorated players of the modern era will finally go back into battle against each other on Wednesday week at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The boots have been replaced by clipboards, hangovers for headaches, the smell of freshly cut grass and deep heat out. Coaches box and coffee in.

Fittler and Walters know each other all too well. It started in the late 1980’s when Penrith began to challenge the might of Canberra. Then Walters moved to the Brisbane Broncos and so began another rivalry. Panthers versus Broncos in the early 1990’s was as blockbuster as you get.

It was then Fittler on the move. The Sydney City Roosters the destination. Classics ensued. Their final club match against each other was the 2000 grand final no less.

Over 15 club contests, Walters claimed bragging rights with 8 wins. The first was a minor semi-final at the Sydney Football Stadium. Raiders 27, Panthers 18. Walters nabbed a try after starting from the bench.

Then there’s Origin.

You can still see their silhouettes weaving and prodding. Stepping and passing. One man in blue. The other in maroon.

In 16 duels, Fittler won 9 Origin showdowns. Their last clash came in 1999 – Game II. They led their states out as respective skippers that night. Blues got home 12-8 in the first ever Origin at the Olympic Stadium.

They were both there in ’94 when Origin took its sideshow to Melbourne and the iconic MCG.

Yeah they might know each other a little bit.

In 2018, they will be back at three venues they know well. Their legs now heavy, hair a little greyer. But within the ears, they have never been sharper. Next Wednesday they meet again. Great old foes now sitting at the heads of their tables.

Neither man ever denied themselves a joke during their playing days. They could both play the practical joker with the precision of a Hollywood heavyweight. Yet when it was time to pull on that jersey and walk down that tunnel, mate against mate, state against state, you knew they were ready.

It’s only been twenty years in the making but Fittler versus Walters begins again next Wednesday.

May the best man win.

Club level

1989: Minor Semi-Final – Raiders 27 def. Panthers 18 @ SFS

1990: Round 5 – Panthers 26 def. Broncos 18 @ Lang Park

1990: Round 20 – Panthers 18 def. Broncos 2 @ Penrith

1991: Round 13 – Broncos 20 def. Panthers 12 @ Lang Park

1992: Round 4 – Panthers 24 def. Broncos 10 @ Lang Park

1992: Round 19 – Broncos 12 def. Panthers 6 @ Penrith

1993: Round 21 – Broncos 34 def. Panthers 14 @ Penrith

1995: Round 20 – Panthers 22 def. Broncos 6 @ Penrith

1998: Round 9 – Roosters 26 def. Broncos 12 @ QEII

1998: Preliminary Final – Broncos 46 def. Broncos 18 @ QEII

1999: Round 10 – Roosters 26 def. Broncos 16 @ QEII

1999: Round 23 – Broncos 9 def. Roosters 8 @ SFS

2000: Round 15 – Broncos 40 def. Roosters 14 @ QEII

2000: Round 26 – Roosters 28 def. Broncos 0 @ SFS

2000: Granf Final – Broncos 14 def. Roosters 6

15 games
8 wins Walters
7 wins Fittler

State of Origin

1991: Game 1 – Maroons def. Blues 6-4 @ Lang Park

1992: Game 1 – Blues def. Maroons 14-6 @ SFS

1992: Game 2 – Maroons def. Blues 5-4 @ Lang Park

1992: Game 3 – Blues def. Maroons 16-4 @ SFS

1993: Game 1 – Blues 14 def. Maroons 10 @ Lang Park

1993 – Game 2 – Blues 16 def. Maroons 12 @ SFS

1993: Game 3 – Maroons 24 def. Blues 12 @ Lang Park.

1994: Game 1 – Maroons 16 def. Blues 12 @ SFS.

1994: Game 2 – Blues 14 def. Maroons 0 @ MCG.

1994: Game 3 – Blues 27 def. Maroons 12 @ Lang Park.

1996: Game 2 – Blues 18 def. Maroons 6 @ SFS

1998: Game 1 – Maroons 24 def. Blues 23 @ SFS.

1998: Game 2 – Blues 26 def. Maroons 10 @ Lang Park

1998: Game 3 – Maroons 19 def. Blues 4 @ SFS.

1999: Game 1 – Maroons 9 def. Blues 8 @ Lang Park.

1999: Game 2 – Blues 12 def. Maroons 8 @ Stadium Australia.

16 games
9 wins Fittler
7 wins Walters

@woodward_curtis