Brad Fittler quits as NSW Blues State of Origin coach

Brad Fittler has dropped a bombshell on the state of NSW by resigning as head coach of the Blues.

In a shock decision, Fittler has informed the NSWRL board and CEO David Trodden that he is walking away just six days after pitching to continue in the role.

Fittler’s boardroom bid to remain coach for the 2024 State of Origin series included an overhaul of his coaching staff and the inclusion of Phil Gould to replace Greg Alexander as his new senior advisor.

As first revealed by this masthead, the NSWRL board were aiming to make a call on Fittler’s future on Wednesday, but decided to press pause on the matter in order to dissect the incumbent coach’s plan in more detail.

The board were content to consider Fittler’s plan.

However, the coach phoned Trodden on Thursday to declare he was standing down.

The search for a new coach to restore rugby league state pride in NSW will begin immediately.

Ricky Stuart and Craig Bellamy will become instant targets of discussion for the NSWRL board.

Fittler’s decision is the end of an era for the Blues.

Fittler took over NSW from Laurie Daley for the 2018 State of Origin series and finished with three series wins from six attempts.

After coaching his 18th Origin in Origin III this year, he finishes as the second most capped NSW coach of all-time behind Gould (24).

Fittler’s call comes just hours after Queensland announced an extension to the coaching tenure of Billy Slater for a further three years.

"Brown's in the conversation for Golden Boot this year. NZ have a great forward pack and they provide a ball runner like Brown the space and time to do his thing. Newcastle have a pop gun set of middles that can barely hold the ball."

Replies

Avon Barksdale September 28, 2023 at 4:01pm

Needs a complete clean out. Gould being reinstated means it will just be more of the same old shit again unfortunately
- Kurupt - Porn Addict, But I'm In Control > Avon Barksdale September 28, 2023 at 6:36pm
  
  How so?
Frankie Fong September 28, 2023 at 4:06pm

Cleary the air head knew he had little chance after giving his pitch so he got in early , absolute flop of a coach in every way .
Parralyzed September 28, 2023 at 4:11pm

I wish they give it to BA on the provision that its full time and he can only coach NSW and no other club
- ParraPride > Parralyzed September 28, 2023 at 6:09pm
  
  Lol yes please!
  
  Out with Brad Arthur!
BEM September 28, 2023 at 4:32pm

Not Bellamey again.

He was a complete flop with a better squad than the Blues have now.

Fittler gone is fantastic news.

Now they need to pick a coach who bled for the Blues and understands what SOO means. We need someone to instil pride in the jersey.
- Frankie Fong > BEM September 28, 2023 at 5:35pm
  
  Steve Sharp?
  - BEM > Frankie Fong September 28, 2023 at 6:41pm
    
    No Frankie.
    
    That just wouldn't be fair to Queensland.
Bob Smith September 28, 2023 at 4:39pm

Great!
Cumberland Eel September 28, 2023 at 4:47pm

Geoff Toovey for me. Stuart, Bellamy are a waste plus they have club commitments whereas Toovey doesn't.