After the opening game of the 2019 State of Origin series, and particularly after the announcement of the New South Wales Blues squad for Game 2, coach Brad Fittler faced some intense media scrutiny.
How intense? When even Buzz Rothfield – not a man prone to admitting he was wrong – is apologising, it indicates just how hot the heat had been turned up on the man they call ‘Freddy’.
Some of the criticism directed at Fittler was born out of questions about is tactics in Brisbane, especially the use of his bench. However, that was quite mild compared to what followed when the Blues named their team for Perth.
Many fans and experts were genuinely stunned that so many changes – some drastic – were made to a team that only narrowly lost to Queensland in Game 1.
Without question, the change that earned the most ire was the dropping of centre Latrell Mitchell. Though it had been rumoured for a little while, it still came as a shock, and the fallout was immediate. Yours truly even questioned if someone other than Fittler was behind Mitchell’s axing.
Latrell Mitchell was dropped by the Blues (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
New centres, a new five-eighth, and changes to the bench, all signalled a massive change in direction for the Blues, and many – myself included – wondered if a touch of panic had set into the NSW camp. At best, it was a bold selection strategy for Game 2.
As ever with bold selection strategies, those in charge of the decisions have to live with the blame if they fail. Yet they also deserve immense credit if they succeed. Sunday’s 38-6 trouncing of the Maroons is sweet vindication for Fittler.
Though NSW still need to finish the job in Sydney, for now it’s kudos to Freddy, and plenty of egg applied to the face for many of us.
Though the last few weeks probably haven’t been the easiest time for Fittler, they do say a lot about the man, let alone the coach.
Fittler was a truly great player. If anything, he’s actually slightly underrated, historically. His name rarely gets mentioned when talk of the “next Immortal’ comes up, yet he deserves to be in those conversations.
Listing all of his achievements here would take up far too much space, but his resume is extremely healthy when compared to almost anyone else in rugby league history.
Angus Crichton discusses Brad Fittler’s bizarre pregame ritual
Debuting in first grade while he was still in high school, Fittler played for NSW when he was just 18, and remains the Blues’ youngest ever Origin player. He also represented Australia that same year, being a great player from start to finish in an extremely decorated career.
He was always calm and level-headed on the field, rarely getting flustered. He never looked worried, playing with extreme poise and maturity, which, coupled with his considerable physical ability (who can forget Freddy’s amazing left-foot step?!), ensured that he will be remembered as an all-time great.
He also had the confidence and courage to try things on the footy field, which regularly came off. Lastly, he was a fantastic leader with an unrivalled record, captaining his state 14 times, and his country 20 times.
All of these amazing qualities that he displayed during his playing days have stayed with him, and are now present as NSW coach.
Despite the heart-breaking loss in Game 1, Fittler didn’t worry, remaining calm and poised. Knowing he would cop flak for dropping Mitchell, Fittler had the maturity to call it the “hardest thing he’d done”, but the confidence and courage to do it anyway.
He’s the leader that NSW need after years of Origin disappointments.
Though it’s just one game, the win in Perth certainly quieted a lot of detractors. Fittler is far too modest and relaxed to say this himself, but the victory screamed “I know what I’m doing, guys!”
The additions to the squad all vindicated their selections, and in doing so, vindicated Fittler.
Recalled winger Blake Ferguson made one memorable mistake when he dropped a high ball, but otherwise provided exactly what the Blues needed and what was missing in Game 1: hard metres bringing the ball back out of his own half, giving his forwards a valuable rest.
Jack Wighton’s elevation to the starting side in the centres gave NSW muscle in both attack and defence, and much like Ferguson, he did some occasional dirty work for his forwards.
Tom Trbojevic’s roaming style, instincts, and nose for the ball, netted him a hat-trick in his return to Origin football, despite playing out of position at right centre.
Tom Trbojevic (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Dale Finucane exhibited muscle and grunt in the middle of the park, and was a surprise starter, instead of coming off the bench.
Likewise, Daniel Saifiti was sensational upfront for the Blues, looking right at home in Origin football by handling the physicality very well, while Tariq Sims was a solid performer from the bench, making 85 metres from nine runs, and not missing a tackle.
Lastly, Jimmy Maloney – though not Fittler’s first choice as a replacement for five-eighth Cody Walker – expertly led the team around the park, providing experience, direction and a brilliant kicking game.
All of them more than repaid their coach’s faith, and in doing so, got everyone off Fittler’s back.
The fickle nature of Origin football means it may only be for a week or two, but it’s better than having the media and fans baying for your blood.
Not that Fittler would be even remotely worried.
And that’s part of what makes him a good coach.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
I noticed that too! "“Deidre Chambers, what a coincidence!" - Muriel's Wedding
concerned supporter
Roar Rookie
" What me worry?'' Is a pinch from the great; ''Mad'' magazine,1956 commencement Alfred E Newman.
matth
Roar Guru
Yes hard to tell whether this is a throwback to 2000, or is it like every other origin year. The odds are on the latter.
matth
Roar Guru
Isn’t it amazing how it’s only the team you don’t support that pushes the rules.
matth
Roar Guru
Whoever it is, Jimmy clearly has to run the show. He actual got even better once he was the only organizer on the field.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think Wade at 6 is an interesting idea but after thinking in it I don’t think it can work, particularly with four forwards on the bench. If Maloney goes down injured - and with the heat he copped from Wallace, Kaufusi and McGuire that’s not massively unlikely - the blues would be done. My preference would be Keary if he’s fit. I don’t know after that. Maybe Reynolds?
farkurnell
Guest
Barry,a lot of good points.I do have a problem with Wade at 5/8, we then have to find a utility player to cover an injured back.A lot of potential disruption not picking a specialist half to replace Cleary.Interesting Reynolds returning this week.I remember before he was injured Reynolds/Walker was the preferred halves combo.Its always been the Blues achilles heal - durable halves.Apart from the Latrell sacking,this is going to be Freddie and his selectors toughest call
Kathryn
Guest
I said to someone after Origin 1, Tommy will be in the Game 2 team & he’ll save the day. That was before he almost single- handedly demolished to Dragons. I won’t say he saved the Blues alone- kudos to The Blues across the board, & particularly to Freddy for his insight, but Tommy sure did his bit & more. I wasn’t one to bag Freddy’s changes. I had the faith. Tommy & Jake both bring very different games to the table however are as exceptional as one another. Can’t wait to see what Turbo version 3 has to offer- so exciting. Tommy will roam again in Game 3- he wants his hands on the ball. QLD have to be able to keep tabs on him- good luck with that one.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Wighton’s intercept didn’t help but NSW were pretty comprehensively outplayed through the middle for mine. Their two best middle third forwards were Klemmer and Jurbo who played about 55 and 48 minutes each when they average 65 and 80 for their clubs and both were off the field for most of the second half when the blues needed some starch in the middle. Meanwhile Fittler soaked up two interchanges mucking about with Walker and three bringing Frizell off and back on and Cordner off. Queensland had 10 players playing 80 and used seven players rotating through their three middle third forward positions. Once they got on top in the middle they stayed on top. In hindsight the blues did well to hang in the game by their fingernails - especially after seeing what they did to Queensland when they won the forward battle - but they were well beaten.
Richard POWELL
Roar Rookie
No. It was simply to do with Wighton throwing the intercept pass that resulted in 6 points for Qld, without which they go down. Who knows? He takes the tackle and they still have chances on the Qld line to score or force a drop out. NSW were starting to assert themselves at that point after soaking an enormous amount of pressure for the previous 20 minutes. I'd say at best, he reverts to the bench and Lattrell comes back.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
Imagine how much NSW would have won by if Freddy had picked a decent team Only joking
soapit
Roar Guru
Panthers form basically made it impossible for him to pick both haves at the time. Some responsibility goes to the players to play well enough at club level to allow the coach to pick them
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Noble of you Mushi and I also apologize for going off..had the odd spar here and they don’t stick to me for long, I believe in this coach and what he’s trying to do for the Blue brand both now and the future, so get unnecessarily over protective..
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Ferguson played right wing... you all know what I meant. Oh for the days when wingers and centres would stay put!
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Like I said Ryan they were ALL auto-selections. Is there anyone who wouldn't have had ALL 5 chiseled in stone in their side assuming they were fit and available? That being the case Fittler deserves little credit for confirming the bleeding obvious. Did Meninga deserve credit for picking Smith, Slater, Cronk and Thurston for QLD? Had he done otherwise he wouldn't have lasted long as QLD coach. The same applies for Fiitler. Maloney likewise was always a better option than the hot and cold aging debutante Cody Walker. Walker would have played a completely different role if Maloney had been picked as his halves partner for game 1. Walker needs a dominant player controlling the forwards and guiding the team around freeing up Walker to be spontaneous and exploit weaknesses in the defensive line as they appear. Again, I won't give credit to Fittler for picking an incumbent player he should have picked for game 1. I will give him credit for selecting Ferguson, Saifiti, Finucane, Graham, Sims and sticking by Cam Murray after selecting him for game 1 as a debutante.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I just had a look at the relay of Turbos second try because I wanted to see where he came from to back up Teddy. It was very revealing for a couple of reasons. He was the only NSW to see the play unfolding and was on the front foot before it was clear that Teddy was half in the clear. He then took off when it feasible that a try was on. It reminds me a bit of Cronk in the 16 GF where he was the only player from either team who reacted to a grubber which would have won the game for the Storm if Chamberlain looked up.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
I'm sure that narrative will pop up again at some point, Paul! Yep, the jury is still out on Freddy. The piece was less an affirmation on his coaching ability (despite the last line of the article) and more a comment on his strength of character, and his impressive qualities.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Ferguson played right centre outside Turbo. They may have swapped occasionally but Turbo was right centre with a roving commission as a second FB.
Paul
Roar Guru
Ryan, I realize this is a piece about Freddy, but I thought for sure you'd throw in a cheeky one liner about Cam getting a run in game 3. I'm truly surprised not to have already seen a Roar article calling for his return for game 3. On Freddy, surely the jury's out? Yes the team played exceptional footy, just as they played really poor footy in game 1. The Maroons will adapt for game 3 and obviously there will be changes, though how many remains to be seen. Freddy and the Blues boys have turn up and be ready to go from minute one in game 3. If they are, Freddy deserves the kudos, assuming NSW wins.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Turbo played at right centre with a roving commission to play as a second FB in attack. He supported Tedesco down the middle attacking corridor and attacked the high ball like a FB leaving the defensive line to compete for the ball rather than holding back defensively to keep the defensive line intact as outside backs would. At least that's how I saw it.