New South Wales legend Brad Fittler appointed Blues Origin coach

  • 24/11/2017
The former state captain recently coached Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup.
The former state captain recently coached Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup. Photo credit: Getty Images

Brad Fittler has been appointed head coach of the New South Wales State of Origin side for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

Fittler had been linked to the job since New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) opted not to renew Laurie Daley's contract after three-failed campaigns.

The 45-year-old coached Lebanon to the quarter-finals of the Rugby League World Cup, and previously coached the Sydney Roosters and the City New South Wales side.

NSWRL Chairman George Peponis said the board took it's time to decide, but believes they made the right choice.

"Given the importance of this appointment, the Board has taken the appropriate amount of time to fully consider the issue," Peponis said in a statement.

"A number of highly qualified candidates expressed an interest in the position. I have no doubt that any one of them could have done a great job if the Board had decided to appoint them. Ultimately, the Board was unanimous in the view that Brad Fittler should be appointed to the position.

"Brad's qualifications for the role are impeccable and his standing within the game is pre-eminent. His recent efforts in the Rugby League World Cup with Lebanon serve as a reminder of his talents as a coach and they provide a window into the exciting future which he will bring the New South Wales State of Origin team."

No appointments have yet been considered in relation to support staff.

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