NSW coach Brad Fittler has set his sights on extending his contract with the Blues beyond this year while refusing to rule out a return to coaching in the NRL.

The 48-year-old is entering the final year of his contract with the Origin side and has made it clear to state officials that he is keen on a fresh deal.

Fittler signed a two-year deal in 2018 and successfully earned the option for a third season after winning the Origin series during his first year in charge.

A third-straight Origin series victory for Fittler would match that of mentor Phil Gould, who achieved the feat between 1992 and 19994.

"I'd love to do it again,'' said Fittler, who helped launch the Canterbury Cup and Ron Massey Cup competitions at the NSW Rugby League Sydney Olympic Park HQ on Tuesday.

"Having that security in clubland gives you that clout with players, but you can't afford to lose the power struggle there because weak players will use it against you.

"But this role is different, you're getting the best and you're getting really motivated people. I'm happy to be judged each year and that pressure keeps you on your toes.''

Fittler added that he would "absolutely" consider returning to the NRL as a coach, where he would be returning to the league after over a decade having coached the Roosters in the past.

"At the moment I don't have to think about it because I've got a job this year," Fittler said. "I love what I do and I love what I'm doing with Channel Nine. But I don't disregard anything.''

The question surrounding who will wear the no.7 jersey for the Blues remains up in the air, with Mitchell Moses having a strong preseason and the rise of Nathan Cleary proving to be a headache for Fittler.

"A good halfback will get you through those stages with a tactical kicking game and their demeanour,'' Fittler said. "They're both young. I know Mitchell has been around a while but it feels like there were a couple of wasted years there.

"The competition is healthy. There are some really good halfbacks. There was a time there when we didn't have many to choose from. It's a tough job, the No. 7. If you're not winning, it's on your head most of the time. It's why you get the big bucks.''
Fittler was heavily back by NSW Rugby League boss Dave Trodden, who acknowledged the leadership values that the Blues coach possessed.
"The prospects of him extending his contract are pretty good. He has the capacity to make people follow him, and it's one of those things you can't learn it or teach it, and you either have it or you don't, and Freddy has it'' Trodden said.

30 COMMENTS

  1. Michell has many talents unfortunately leadership is not one
    Likewise Clearly is no 7 but has better leadership

  3. I agree Mushi. That is where Moses is lacking. I am hopeful though that Joey can help him with that aspect of his game.

  4. Your kidding yourself mushi.
    Moses lead the team around the field beautifully last season.
    That might be why he picked a little award called the Dally M halfback of the year.
    He has been trained all off-season by the best halfback to play the game in Andrew Johns.
    The Blues halves should be Keary at 5/8 and Moses at halfback as they are the best two players in those positions with Reynolds a distant 3rd choice at halfback.

  5. Joey won’t help him, hopeless mentor, Roosters sacked him, not even his beloved Newcastle are interested in the clown. Can’t even read a game while commentating, lost cause who is always wrong. Reminds me of ClownOfDivide or Twenty1.

  6. Kev, Moses is a terrific front runner, but he still lacks the ability to dig us out of a hole. He still panics in these situations, that is why I think he lacks leadership. He came a long way last year, but he is still in need of developing important leadership and game management skills.

  7. Eels47 he isn’t there to be the leader.
    As captain that is king Guths job.
    Moses job is to steer the team around the field and set up tries which he did pretty bloody well. After all he had the most try assists last year.

  8. Not true Kev, a good half back must show leadership skills as well. It is his job to direct play, to do all he can to get us back when we are down on the scoreboard, to steer (or lead) around the park. They are leadership skills as well as footy skills. You don’t need to have a “C” next to your name to be a leader.

  10. Can’t stand Fittler, Daly should still be there, he would have won those origins that Fittler won, hopefully they won’t extend his contract.

    Reynolds would make a great origin halfback, but give Mitchell a go , he deserves it, maybe his time has come, and I believe he could lead the team around for sure, but Clearly will still be there, Fittler will see to that, so this debate is moot really.

  12. I’d say Mole is planting seeds in Fittlers head, as to burn the old injury prone Reynolds out and into retirment in 2021.

  13. Eels & Kev..
    I’d say pick Moses 100%.
    Who wants to be missing players any time of the year? They may also get injured, not playing for their clubs. Go Moses & Keary!!!!

  14. Keary will probably not be available at that time of year. Due to a slight leg strain, or a slight head knock. Why should this coming season be any different to any other year?

  15. 1. Teddy
    2. Addo-Carr
    3. Tommy Tubro
    4. Wighton
    5. Ferguson
    6. Keary
    7. Moses
    8. Klemmer
    9. Cook
    10. Jake Turbo
    11. Cordner
    12. Graham
    13. Murray

    14. Radley
    15. Haas
    16. Campbell-Gillard
    17. Frizzel

    18. Bird
    19. Finucane
    20. Pearce

  16. If keary is fit he will be there will cleary. Keary is very unlucky to have not played before and all the stick they Nathen gets you have to remember he’s 20 or 21? I am
    A fan of him and think if he’s there for the next few years we will have a very strong dynasty. Half’s don’t peak until late 20s

    Origin is looking very positive for us south of the border

  20. Off topic, Curtis Scott is still allowed to play, despite pending charges, yet Tyrone May was stood down, before eventually pleading guilty. Talk about double standards.

  21. Panthers18 March 4, 2020 at 2:49 pm
    Off topic, Curtis Scott is still allowed to play, despite pending charges, yet Tyrone May was stood down, before eventually pleading guilty. Talk about double standards.

    what May did was disgusting.. he should have been jailed

  22. No to RCG for me. He needs to have a blinder of a start to the season to even be considered I think.

    The halves are a tricky one. Cleary and Pearce were there last year, but I am not convinced they are the best option. Keary only needs to keep up his form to grab the 6 jersey. the 7 is between Cleary, Moses and Reynolds probably, but way too early to predict anything. Cleary has the inside running, but if Moses can show that he has developed better game management skills I think he is the better player. Reynolds is probably third (and Pearce).

  23. So SouthWood..
    What Curtis Scott did was just fine! It’s a wonderful look for the players & the game.
    It again seems that you’re only stood down from the game, if you play for certain clubs. If you play for the rest, you’re fine! Go out bashing & assaulting others.

  25. Adamhoward March 4, 2020 at 2:00 pm
    I’d say Mole is planting seeds in Fittlers head, as to burn the old injury prone Reynolds out and into retirment in 2021.

    AH
    I know that Fittler is a regular on this site and takes note of both of us 😛👍

  26. Not sure if winning Dally M half back of the year is a sign of a great leader Kev seeing as Brooks was the winner the year before.

    If Moses starts the year well he would have to be in contention. I want him to have two good years in a row before he gets the gig though.

    It is really open with Maloney jetting off. Having the choice of Cleary, Moses, Reynolds at half with Keary 5/8 or even Keary half and a big body like Wighton at 5/8 if he goes well again gives us a great chance at another series win with our pack and Tedesco and Cook.

  27. I went with RCG because pre-injury he was arguably one of the best props.
    Think Parra will be really strong this year and it’s nice to keep players from the same team together hence Ferguson, Moses and him. think he will be really good this year, and off the bench in origin he will bring good size and impact plus he suits Freddys speed and quick play the ball style.
    If not him then Finucane

  28. Finucane is a real worker. You’d have him somewhere in the squad any way.
    I didn’t see anything particularly great from RCG , in there last trial. He would have been trying as hard as he could, against Penrith.
    At least he wasn’t backing into the defence. That’s an improvement.

  29. Finucane I would be happy with. RCG was better than I have seen in the past 12-18 months last week, but still not good enough to be considered for rep jerseys. If he continues to improve then maybe, but not even in the conversation yet.

  30. When I was young fella I was a massive Fittler supporter in his playing does but as time goes on and he gets older I can’t stand his stupid mouth. If you believe Fittler reads these comments as claimed by some ZT bloggers I hope he reads this. Stop talking smack about relocating Titans and help support the current rebuilding being undertaken why relocate a national team away from a footy nursery like Keebra Park look at the talent coming from that school. We are starting to see a stronger recruitment focus from the region (Arrow is a loss) and will pay dividends under Holbrook, Meninga and the rest of the current coaching staff. Titans will see the success of late 2000s early 2010s again Frizelle and Kelly seem to have the right formula for the rebuild. Also great to see minichello back at the Titans should’ve never have been allowed off a Titans field to finish his playing career in the super league IMO. Great things happening for the Titans get onboard.

Comments are closed.