NSW skipper Boyd Cordner and predecessor Paul Gallen have both backed Brad Fittler's ability to be a successful NSW State of Origin coach.
Fittler is odds-on favourite to take the reins after Daley was axed in the wake of his fourth State of Origin series loss in five years.
The NSWRL reportedly want Fittler to take over and for Phil Gould and Andrew Johns coming on board as advisers.
Cordner, who was promoted to captain this year by Daley following Gallen's representative retirement, said he was an admirer of Fittler's coaching.
Fittler was Sydney Roosters head coach during the 2009 season when Cordner was a part of the under-20s squad.
"I had a bit to do with Freddy, coming down as a 16-year-old from the country, to train in the fulltime squad under Freddy," Cordner said.
"He's smart, loves his footy, loves NSW. Whoever the NSW board selects, I know they'll be the right person for the job."
Cordner said he was surprised Daley wasn't given another year but was supportive of the board's decision.
"Everyone knows I've got a lot of respect for Laurie, as a coach and as a person," Cordner said.
"He's given me my opportunity in State of Origin in 2013 and he's stuck by me and shown a lot of faith in me to select me as captain as well. It's very sad to not see him get another go at the coaching job."
Gallen said Fittler ticked every box and was best placed to wrest back the trophy from Queensland after 11 series losses in 12 years.
Gallen played under Fittler as part of the NSW City team this year and described him as one of the best motivators in the game.
The no-frills City side was given little hope by the punters and bookies however Fittler inspired them to a 20-10 win.
"We won that day, it was on the back of him bringing us together and believing we can win," Gallen said.
"That's what NSW need. They need belief and he can provide that.
"I look at Mal Meninga, I had him in Australian camp. He was the best motivator, along with Laurie Daley, that I've ever been involved with.
"I would have run through a brick wall at the end of that week if he asked me to.
"That's what NSW need - they need Brad Fittler to come in, inspire everyone, make them want to run through walls at the end of the week and have a team around him who can come up with a game plan."
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