Third time Sticky? Stuart coy over Blues coaching return as he defends Fittler over Origin blues

Ricky Stuart won’t buy into speculation he could be the man to replace Brad Fittler as NSW State of Origin coach, saying the state’s reluctance to appoint an NRL club mentor was likely to rule him out.

With his contract set to expire at year’s end, Fittler’s future is up in the air after back-to-back series losses. The former Penrith and Sydney Roosters star now holds a 3-3 series record as Blues boss.

Stuart, who’s already had two stints as NSW mentor, has been mooted as the perfect replacement for Fittler should he be sacked with many believing his passionate approach is what the Blues need after their recent defeats.

But the Canberra coach, who’s contracted with the Raiders until 2025, doubted the NSWRL would consider him an option.

“There’s rules in place (at the NSWRL) that NRL club coaches can’t do it,” Stuart said. “I don’t think it’s gonna change, we’re probably speculating over something … you should be asking them the question, not me.

(Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)

“We don’t have to worry about it because there’s a rule there.”

Stuart coached the Sydney Roosters when he led NSW to their 2005 Origin triumph, but the Blues haven’t appointed an NRL club coach since Craig Bellamy left in 2010.

The Raiders boss said he would reach out to Fittler to offer support after Wednesday night’s 32-6 loss to seal the series for Queensland.

“I’m feeling for Brad at the moment because I’ve won a series and I’ve lost the series, I know how empty it is and how lonely it is,” Stuart said.

“It’s very easy to be sitting up in the top decks throwing down rocks. When you’re there you feel lonely in these situations and I feel for Brad, but time will heal that.

“He would have had a lot more blokes around having to deal with him if they’d won because that’s what happens when you win.

“When you lose you find out who your real mates are.”