NSW could soon have the arsenal for a new golden era of State of Origin, but their success must start in the NRL according to likely new coach Brad Fittler.
Fittler will be one of four candidates interviewed for the Blues top job over the next fortnight, before the successful applicant aims to begin the arduous task of becoming just the second NSW coach to claim a series victory in 12 years.
Queensland’s dominance of rugby league in recent seasons has also extended to the NRL, with this year’s grand final the first not to feature a past or present NSW Origin player in 20 years.
And Fittler said it was at NRL level that things first had to change.
“It would be all based around being great club players,” Fittler said.
“The best Queensland players have shown they have been the best club players. So we need to get the best club players.
“NSW have got to try to get the best scenario going forward. Getting the best players and hopefully getting around and having a yarn to players about expectations and what sort of players we want to see.”
Despite the Blues’ woeful record in recent years, Fittler is adamant there could be no better time to become a NSW coach.
While he claimed it was too premature for him to be considering the make up of their Origin squad for 2018, he is licking his lips at the prospect of his squad in the coming years.
“We’ve got more players that have the potential to be great coming through than we have had for a long time,” he said.
“Some of the coaches in the past probably haven’t had the luxury of the one who will be given the job next of having the Trbojevics, Jack Bird and (Nathan) Cleary and these sort of players who look really motivated at the moment.
“Rugby league seems to be the one thing that they want to do in life. I don’t know if NSW has had that for 10 or 15 years.
“That’s going to be the key. You get that pressure coming through from underneath and that will really allow for the best players to shine.”
Meanwhile NSW Rugby League chairman George Peponis said he expected teenage halfback Cleary would be one of several youngsters to wear the NSW jersey in the next two years.
“We’ve got a lot of good young kids, Nathan Cleary, your Trbojevic brothers. One has had a taste of State of Origin and the other two will, if not next year then the year after,” Peponis said.
“We’ve won the under-16s, 18s and 20s State of Origin competitions for the past few years.
“The future is bright.”
Eden
Guest
I'm assuming any pro NSW post with the word dynasty in it is satire at this point
soapit
Guest
evidence doesnt support you needing a strong first grade history
Someone
Guest
Fitler you're a joke. Your words are empty. So a translation of what he said is: We need for star players from NSW to magically appear. We will have a talk to players and hope they will magically change their game to be great. The problem isn't to do with skill or ability, it is all to do with motivation, the problem has been for the last 10 to 15 years that NSW players couldn't be bothered. Whilst not having even become coach (or the season even beginning) I have already picked a number of players for next years team. NSW just doesn't learn from their mistakes. As a QLDer please pick Fittler NSW.
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
If Freddy and Joey are in charge of the NSW Origin team, origin camp will be a week long bender before game day.
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
Qld an ancient team with little good youth coming through you reckon? May I throw a few names at you? I can? Good. Michael Morgan, Cam Munster, Dylan Napa, Val Holmes, Anthony Milford, Ash Taylor, Corey Oats, Coen Hess, Felise Kaufusi, Nene McDonald, Jarrod Wallace, Ethan Lowe, Korbin Sims.... just to name a few. I think Queensland will be just fine for several years to come.
JohnB
Guest
“Some of the coaches in the past probably haven’t had the luxury of the one who will be given the job next of having the Trbojevics, Jack Bird and (Nathan) Cleary and these sort of players who look really motivated at the moment. “Rugby league seems to be the one thing that they want to do in life. I don’t know if NSW has had that for 10 or 15 years. " Nice wrap for NSW players of the past decade
Nat
Roar Guru
Good luck to you Freddie - should you get the gig. The Qld old boys of Smith, Slater (possibly Cronk) will be waiting with current Australian reps Munster, Morgan, Hunt and Holmes will be waiting. Oh yeah, Inglis and Scott come back in with Boyd and Chambers next year. Shouldn't be too intimidating for another 20y/o half. You may get lucky with injures again so I guess Milford, Macca, DCE or Norman could step up. At least Buzz will be there to explain how NSW was 'robbed' again. I'm just stirring. I've written before, NSW have the talent and the opportunity for a clean slate next year. As per Matty John, Test 1: tell them there is no money - those who stay play. Pride in the jumper is the first step to success.
Paul
Roar Guru
I hope Peponis and co keep a level head an pick the coach best suited to the role and that bloke is NOT Fittler. Sure he talks a good game but he has not got the pedigree as a first grade coach to manage this side. I think he has a role as a support coach and wold bring a lot of energy to camp, but not now. Maguire's the man for the job - proven credentials at first grade level and will bring some discipline back to the squad.
Albo
Guest
No ! They don't need a team of superstars. Just a spine of superstars is all that has been needed ! QLD has had it for a decade plus, NSW has had only spina bifida ! NSW has not had one player to equally match the 1,6,7, & 9 of QLD over that period. Whilst the QLD superstars of their spine are approaching retirement, NSW is hoping their young guns can develop into a similar dominant force in the series to come. I don't see it yet, despite Freddie's dribbling rhetoric.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Whilst blues fans remain hopeful, Queensland have proven time n time again, that they don't need a team of superstars to win origin. Hopefully Freddie can bring in a culture to match.
Mike Dugg
Guest
Great move by the Blues. The maroons are an ancient team with little good youth following through. The blues with this coaching will be looking at a future dynasty for sure