Brad Fittler must be a slam dunk selection to be the next NSW Origin coach.
There won’t be any decision until Dr George Peponis, the president of the NSWRL returns from overseas, and then the decision will be a priority.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw Bard Fittler play as a schoolboy in a Penrith under age team.
He was dynamic as he toyed with his opposition with a smile and the exuberance of a teenager, but with the football maturity of a seasoned veteran.
He proved that very quickly, becoming the first to play for the Australian Schoolboys in 1989, and being selected the next season for NSW Origin and the Kangaroos.
He was, and still is, the youngest NSW Origin rep at 18 years and 114 days, and at the time was the youngest Kangaroo at 18 years and 247 days.
The latter record was firstly broken by Israel Folau at 18 years 194 days in 2007, and since by Sione Mata’utia at 18 years 129 days in 2014.
But where Fittler is such a perfect fit for the NSW coaching job was his brilliance and success as an Origin rep, and his longevity.
He’s played more Origins for NSW than any other player with 31, and captained the team more with 17.
And during that stellar career, NSW won six Origin series.
And the coach was none other than Phil Gould, and he must be included in the Fittler team as a consultant.
Fittler must not only be the sole coach, but the sole selector.
There’s nothing worse than the head coach being overruled by two other selectors, when it’s the coach who gets the chop if the team fails.
There’s another plus for Fittler as he’s shown in his television interviews.
He always asks short but to the point questions, and then does what very few interviewers do these days, he listens to the answers without interruption.
I have no doubt he’ll be exactly the same with his NSW squad, his directions will be short and concise, and all his squad will have no doubts whatsoever of what Fittler wants.
But a sole coach and sole selector can get lonely, and that’s where Phil Gould would fill the bill superbly.
He’s forgotten more about rugby league than most people will ever know and he’s a cool and calculating head under pressure, as he’s proved many times on television.
The two of them have enjoyed a great rapport before, and will be the same, despite the years in between.
So exciting times are ahead for NSW and when Fittler settles on his squad for the first Origin clash of 2018, it will be fascinating how he’ll slot in Nathan Cleary (now 19), Mitchell Moses (23 next Saturday), and Matt Moylan (26), the most switched on youngsters in the code, and the launching pad for an exciting new era.
Bring it on.
Nat
Roar Guru
I don't disagree with you and have a similar opinion of the author. If NSWRL stick with the 'no NRL coaches' policy what Fitler has achieved with his City team, who were getting regularly beat by Country. He has had success with Junior Rep sides. While not at the same level it's far above park footy because it is getting the best from elite players. Also listening to those around him, his assistants and players, they all have a very high regard for him. His NRL experience was adhoc but they lifted to beat some very good teams under his guidance. That said, he, like Meninga, needs Gould and other tacticians around him that command respect while developing and executing a game plan. His media persona is our most recent reference but remember as a player he was a leader of men in arguably NSW's best period.
TigerMike
Guest
Stuart? Not Rickety?? Where's his current team placed? Is your comment 2017¿
TigerMike
Guest
He'd be better than Laurie loses Daily Well OK he won 20% series coached
Chook
Guest
I'm sure Mr Gould would agree with you
Tim
Guest
Stranger things have happened in rugby league. Trent Robinson - played 4 first grade games before succumbing to injury. Now, coach accolades as long as your arm. Fittler has coached but hindsight a wonderful thing. Commentary too, adds to his scope of who to pick & how to play the Qld behemoth that awaits next year.
Gaz
Roar Rookie
He was also blessed with some pretty good assistants.
Tim
Guest
What do you mean 'he has forgotten more about rugby league', excuse my ignorance. He should add Latrell Mitchell to the squad too ... and he will ! Good article !
Gaz
Roar Rookie
Yes please. QLD run will continue. But doubt he'll leave his day job - too good a wicket and so easy. NSW need Gould or Stuart.
hindsight
Guest
Oh how short peoples memories are, Jeff Toovey is streets ahead of Fitter in all departments: had as much talent, more heart & courage than Fitter, Fifita & Woods combined and has better coaching credentials to boot. Signed, Cowboys fan
souvalis
Guest
Amongst the first few picked for the Blues next year will be Dogs' Klemmer and Jackson...if the senior group are consulted,and they should be,don't like Dessies' chances at all..is there an actual rule that precludes a Qlder from the job ? The noise that would permeate from Wayne Bluie Bennett versus good mate Kevvie Walters would be pretty substantial....and I'm at the stage where I'm willing to sell my soul for a win...and it seems Wayne is too...
Griffo
Guest
We have just come off a weekend with 4 finals that until very late in the game vould have gone either way. Two teams have had their season ended and 6 teams still in contention for the premiership. There are 2 finals coming up this weekend which are a mouthwatering proposition. The Dally Ms are coming within the fortnight. Cameron Smith has broken the all time games record and we've just had Nathan Cleary become the youngest player to top the points scoring for a season. All of this is topical right now, yet none of it is as important as who's going to coach the biggest losers of the last 12 years. Your finger is off the pulse, David.
DLKN
Guest
A major problem with NSW has been the culture that has developed, and worsened, under Daley. One of indiscipline, disregard for team officials and rules, and general, booze-led dickheadery. And you think Fittler is the answer? The bloke to set new cultural standards? Yeah sure, and while you're at it, put Andrew Johns in there too. It seems that some people really do just want to watch the world burn.
Jay
Guest
Hasler has it in the bag. You are slow on this.
Chook
Guest
God help us
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Can you remind me of his achievements that are apparently so good he's worthy of being chosen as the coach of the NSW Origin side? I really hope it's something other than his mediocre and short-lived time running the Roosters and a bit of junior coaching... And to my point - Lord doesn't actually provide any COACHING reasons for appointing Fittler. He blathers on about how good he was as a player - which is pretty close to being irrelevant as far as coaching goes. Standard David Lord article really...
AGordon
Guest
Bard Fittler is only an obvious choice as the sort of bloke you'd love to have a few beers with and talk footie! He's a boofhead as a commentator and would not be able to manage an SoS squad. An obvious choice as a coach - me thinks not.
Nat
Roar Guru
Those two would think the Bard is how coach spells his first name. Shouldn't be an issue though as they'll be watching from Northies.
Nat
Roar Guru
As a Qlder I don't care but the opportunity is there for the next bloke. For mine, if it's Fitler it must come with a Gould. A tactician, not just a NSW great. I believe people thought Sterling may have had a greater influence this year than he did but even he admits he reserved himself in some areas. The upside of this year is the next coach can select a great team without the media demanding 'talented Individuals'. He has a clean slate and the talent is there for the right coach.
rl
Guest
Just like Big Mal (bless him). However, Mal was blessed with having probably the greatest spine combinations in recent league history, so 'coaching' wasn't much of a conscious effort.
rl
Guest
I can just imagine The Bard whipping out some stirring words from Henry V. Duges and Fergo would just lap it up.....