Blues coach Brad Fittler expected to pick 27 players for 2020 Origin series
NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler is set to pick an expanded squad for the 2020 State of Origin series which will open the door for these escitment machines.
Blues
Don't miss out on the headlines from Blues. Followed categories will be added to My News.
NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler has discussed taking 27 players into a Central Coast ‘bubble’ for the duration of this year’s series — opening the door for a host of Blues smokeys like Kotoni Staggs, Stephen Crichton and Ryan Papenhuyzen.
In a dramatic shift to usual Origin camps, Fittler will likely house a team of 43 people — including chief advisors Greg Alexander and Danny Buderus — inside an exclusive Origin bubble for all three games of the 2020 series.
The Blues have also discussed using a player rotation policy throughout the tournament, especially for those Origin stars coming into camp straight off the 2020 grand final.
The move means a host of new players suddenly come into calculations as the Blues look to earn the State’s first threepeat since 2005.
Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand with no-ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
With NRL COVID restrictions set to be enforced throughout Origin, both States are likely to be allowed 27 players and 16 staff inside a ‘bubble’ for all three games, with the Blues keen to start camp at the beginning of NRL Grand Final week.
Already, Fittler has discussed setting up base at Magenta Shores, a five-star beachside resort which, located at the northern end of the Central Coast, boasts one, two and three bedroom villas, plus an 18-hole golf course, two pools, restaurants and meeting rooms.
The resort is also a short drive from Wyong Leagues Club, whose facilities the Blues would use for both fieldwork and gym sessions.
So strict will COVID regulations remain throughout the Origin series, Magenta Shores management has already discussed not only providing the Blues with a room for every player, but also their own dedicated restaurant, meeting rooms, even elevator.
All resort staff would also be required to wear personal protective equipment.
Similar guidelines would also be enforced inside the Wyong League Club ground, whose training fields are fenced.
MORE NRL NEWS
Damning Bulldogs review puts stars on notice
How SBW defied doctors to become a legend
For any Origin games held in Sydney, NSW management have discussed travelling to Homebush two days before the event, with training then done at the NSWRL Centre Of Excellence.
If Queensland hosts a game at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, as expected, the Blues are expected to follow current NRL protocols and fly in, then out on the same day.
Asked about the Blues Bubble on Thursday, a NSWRL official said only that “absolutely nothing” had been finalised.
The staffer added that all proposals had to first be ticked off by an NRL biosecurity officer.
It is understood the NRL is keen for both sides to use a squad of 27 players.
Those players not involved in the October 25 grand final could go straight into camp at the start of that week’s festivities.
Players then selected from the decider would be given two days to celebrate, or commiserate, with teammates before heading into the Blues Bubble by Wednesday.
They would then have a week to prepare before Origin I on November 4, at a venue yet to be decided.
Given the first Origin game takes place just 10 days after the grand final, a 27-man squad would allow the Blues to potentially rest those Blues stars who come out of the decider carrying injury, but then play them in the second and third games.
Conversely, it also gives fringe players the chance to impress Fittler up to a fortnight before Origin I while also allowing the coach to see, first hand, which combinations work best.
Given several players could be coming off an intense premiership campaign — both physically and mentally — the Blues brains trust have also discussed a range of proposals around ensuring they make best use of their entire squad over the three games.
Originally published as Blues coach Brad Fittler expected to pick 27 players for 2020 Origin series