NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler accuses Blues critics of hiding behind agendas
It takes a lot to fire up the yoga master Brad Fittler, but he hasn’t missed in this angry take down of his Origin critics.
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NSW coach Brad Fittler has fired back at his critics on the eve of Origin II, accusing them of pushing agendas in an attempt to “bring attention to themselves”.
Speaking with The Daily Telegraph, Fittler also claimed he was “unconcerned” with the “noise” that had engulfed his side after a shock loss in Origin I.
The desperate Blues must defeat Queensland on Wednesday night at ANZ Stadium or face losing their first series since 2017.
Fittler’s selections for game one have been heavily questioned and scrutinised since the Blues’ defeat, particularly picking Jack Wighton and Clint Gutherson out of position in the centres.
There were also calls for halfback Nathan Cleary to be dumped for Origin II.
Fittler has sat silent while a queue of detractors have taken aim at NSW, despite winning the past two series and having lost Origin I by just four points. The Blues have been stung and surprised with the mounting vitriol.
“I’m ignorant to it all,” Fittler declared.
“People will always use the popularity of Origin to bring attention to themselves, or their agendas.
“I haven’t heard any commentary on the game nor am I concerned about anyone’s opinion.
“Criticism has always been a part of Origin. It’s what makes it the most intense arena.
“I have staff I trust and players I believe in. The rest is noise. We need to win a game.”
Asked were the players singled out hurt by the criticism, Fittler said: “They don’t seem to take it heart.”
Fittler’s second-half tactics also came under fire after Adelaide.
Pressed on whether the same critics would be backslapping NSW players with a win on Wednesday night, Fittler said: “That’s the challenge, brother.”
NSWRL chief executive David Trodden agreed that criticism doesn’t affect the players or coaching staff.
“I would say exactly the same as Freddy – it (criticism) doesn’t really impact on people. Those in that environment — the players and coaches — are used to other people having strong opinions. They deal with it day-in, day-out,” Trodden said.
“Origin is the biggest thing in Australian sport and is built on passion. Nobody should be surprised about people having strong views and the criticism doesn’t really impact on their preparations.
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“It’s just one of the things they always deal with. People have very strong views on their teams and how their states are performing.”
A crowd of nearly 40,000 — the biggest crowd in Australian sport since COVID hit — is expected to attend the big match at Sydney Olympic Park.
NSW have firmed from $1.32 ro be $1.30 TAB favourites, with Queensland $3.60 outsiders.
“Look for Nathan Cleary to have a big game and level the series. He is easily the most popular player to win the man of the match at $8,” said TAB’s Matt Jenkins. “With the Blues at home after a shock loss last week the stage looks set for a series decider at Suncorp.”
Originally published as NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler accuses Blues critics of hiding behind agendas