State of Origin 2020: NSW coach Brad Fittler issues Blues warning

The NRL season may be suspended – but NSW coach Brad Fittler is still eyeing a State of Origin threepeat, putting all of his players on notice as they go into isolation.

NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler hasn’t given up on this year’s Origin – and wants to make sure his players are the same. Picture: AAP

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Desperate to keep Queensland down in the State of Origin reckoning, NSW coach Brad Fittler has challenged his players to burst through the NRL’s coronavirus shut down by declaring: “Only the strong will survive.”

Fittler also told Blues hopefuls through The Daily Telegraph: “Treat this like a holiday and you’ll be found out.”

NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler hasn’t given up on this year’s Origin – and wants to make sure his players are the same. Picture: AAP

The NRL may be suspended but Fittler will be monitoring individual and team training for all his star and aspiring players.

“What will happen is only the strong will survive – the blokes who are highly motivated and show a lot of discipline, they will come through and flourish,” Fittler said.

“This is the time to stand up — that’s the challenge, to be strong with your routine.

“It’s what happens when no-one is watching that makes the great players great. That’s normally the difference.

“Others might see it as an opportunity to relax and they could really struggle coming back. Those that treat this like a holiday will be found out. Players have to stay focused right through.

“We will definitely get feedback (about players). Coaches and trainers, they will have a job to do.”

Shut out: players across the NRL have to train on their own to keep fitness up during the crisis. Picture: AAP

The Origin match schedule remains as uncertain as is when the NRL season will recommence.

But Origin’s ability to generate money – around $15 million a year – and secure record television ratings ensure it will be played at some stage of what may be an extended season.

“Everyone understands the popularity of State of Origin, what it brings to the game and what the players and fans get out of it. I couldn’t imagine it wouldn’t be in their plans,” Fittler said.

“All I know it creates an incredible amount of interest and it’s the most watched show every year in Australia. It’s really a wait and see.

“I don’t think anyone really knows what is going to happen but getting the competition started is paramount.

“There is always planning. We are still trying to engage with or fans and we have commitments to websites.”

NSW have won back-to-back series on Fittler’s watch. Picture: AAP

Fittler continues to watch developments within the NRL over funding and player payments.

Clubs will engage in a phone hook-up with the NRL on Friday to discuss possible future funding arrangements.

It comes as Wests Tigers prepare hold a board meeting on Friday afternoon to discuss any possible moves around cutting staff numbers.

The club’s finance committee will present recommendations at the meeting before the board “will adopt to the most sensible approach,” according to Tigers chairman Lee Hagipentelis.

“At the moment, every option is on the table. I can tell you that discussions between myself as chair and the CEO (Justin Pascoe), we will do what we can to preserve the position of all staff, if at all possible. That remains our priority.

“But the fact of the matter is that these are incredibly challenging times and Wests Tigers is a business like all other businesses.

“There is a genuine concern on everyone’s part at the moment as to the viability of the clubs and the game as a whole. You would be naive to think that’s not the case. Everyone is dealing with a level of uncertainty that causes angst and anxiety.

“This is the most significant threat to the NRL and the clubs in their 100-plus year history, of that there is no doubt but I am heartened by the unity shown by all the clubs and the NRL.”

Originally published as State of Origin 2020: NSW coach Brad Fittler issues Blues warning