Brad Fittler to re-live youth as NSW Blues head bush

Brad Fittler remembers the day clearly. He was a budding superstar left with an impression that still stays with him today.

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Brad Fittler remembers the day clearly. He was a budding superstar left with an impression that still stays with him today.

Fittler was about nine years old when he was selected to take part in a rugby league training camp in Armidale. Among the big name guests to greet a bright-eyed Fittler were Wayne Bennett, Tommy Raudonikis and Wayne Pearce. Now some 36 years later, Fittler will return to Armidale on Saturday as the Blues coach hoping to leave a similar impression.

Brad Fittler is taking the Blues back to the bush. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

“I have no idea how I got to go there,” Fittler said. “I think I won it as a player of the year for Mount Pritchard. I just remember going up there and there were a lot of the current coaches and players. There were huge fields. I couldn’t tell you how many players or kids were there but as a young fella it just seemed overwhelming to see the players you watched on TV there.

“It was memorable. I remember Wayne there and endless amount of players. It was one of the first clinics I went to as a kid. It’s a really good memory. It was an incredibility positive thing.”

Fittler will take a 21-man NSW squad to Armidale on Saturday and Sunday including the likes of Boyd Cordner, Latrell Mitchell, Damien Cook and Nathan Cleary.

Fittler as proud schoolboy standing in front of numerous trophies won.

The Blues have a corporate partnership with the University of New England in Armidale which makes the clinic seamless. Fittler has promised to take the Blues there each year while he is in charge.

“My promise was that while I’m coaching it will be on,” Fittler said.

“If the next coach doesn’t see it as something of value that will be their decision. The players give a lot back. This is a really positive way to do it. They can give back to the bush, sponsors and some kids who never get them to see them.

“It’s only a one day clinic this year hopefully we can turn it bigger and better.”

NSW training squad will head to Armidale for two days. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Nic Cotric, Ryan James and Luke Keary are the only uncapped players part of the squad. The trio did not play for the Blues last year but were part of the Blues extended squad throughout the series win against Queensland.

Fittler said it was important to kickstart the Blues series defence.

“We met them at the end of December and that was to tick off last year,” Fittler said. “We spoke about the year. Now this will be about what’s expected, what they expect about footy and what works for them.

“Basically et them together and the more time they can spend together, the better you can build combinations and camaraderie. It will be very valuable from that point of view.”.

Originally published as Brad Fittler to re-live youth as NSW Blues head bush