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"He’s got some weird traits," Cook quipped. "He used to think he would save time if he ate breakfast in the shower. Sometimes he would eat his cereal in there. And he also used to only put his phone light on because he didn’t like the bright lights in the morning. He’s not much of a morning person."

Rebuttal?

"Gee, I wish I had some more time to think about it," Finucane laughed. "He was a massive clean freak. He would have to wipe the benches down, but his biggest pet peeve was the kettle cord being loose. He would always weave it to ensure it was neat because he didn’t like any cords showing."

As much as they laugh about their days trying to establish their NRL careers under Des Hasler, there's more than a few eerie similarities.

Both married their respective long-time partners at the end of last season, and it was only Cook's call-up to the Australian team that prevented the pair from attending each other's wedding. When Cook had to change his date, Finucane had already planned to be honeymooning in Europe.

Then in the last couple of months there was this.

"We went to call each other the other day and we’re both expecting bubs at the end of the year," Finucane said. "They’re going to be five days apart. I'm always in regular contact with him.

"He probably should have had his opportunity a lot earlier [at NRL level] than what he has. Michael Ennis was the hooker in front of him at the time at the Bulldogs and then the club signed Michael Lichaa.

"I’m stoked he’s not got his opportunity and it goes to show he could have been where he is a number of years earlier. I don’t doubt he would have had the hunger and desire to push himself and be where he is today. I’m glad he is where he is now."

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Cook doesn't need a moment to say the same about Finucane, who has already played in five NRL grand finals and gets his chance for the Blues at Perth's Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Last weekend, Fittler called Finucane and spent several minutes talking to him about his own game in Melbourne's humbling of Newcastle. After going through a few pointers, Fittler casually asked Finucane if he would like to play for NSW.

Said Finucane: "The obvious answer for me was, ‘Yes’."

Which pleased Cook no end.

"When I first started living with Dale I was playing a lot of reserve grade," he said. "I used to watch how he went about things. He’s very professional in what he does, he’s always on time and he’s always doing his extras and the little things around the place. It’s no surprise he’s finally getting the chance to put on this jersey."