Harold Matthews Cup: Brad Fittler’s son Zach celebrates debut victory

The Sydney Roosters have delivered a special 50th birthday present for club legend Brad Fittler with his son Zach’s under-17 Harold Matthews team celebrating an opening round victory.

The Sydney Roosters have delivered a special 50th birthday present for NSW Origin coach and club legend Brad Fittler with his son Zach’s under-17 Harold Matthews team celebrating an opening round victory.

In a tough contest in drizzly conditions against last year’s grand finalists Parramatta Eels at Mascot Oval, the Roosters took the victory in a 22 – 14 triumph with the Origin coach proudly watching on.

Zach Fittler. Picture: Jeremy Ng

NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler watches on. Picture: Jeremy Ng

His powerfully-built 15-year-old son Zach played in the back row and was a handful on the Roosters right edge with each hit-up requiring about three Eels defenders to bring him down.

Earlier in the week Brad Fittler told NSWRL Media about his excitement about being a nervous father on the sidelines.

“The best thing to happen on Saturday won’t be my birthday, it will be being able to watch my son play for the Roosters in an official game,” he said.

“I love watching my kids play sport … the bigger the occasion the more exciting it gets.

“I love watching Zach play footy. He is very different to what I was but he has his own way of making an impact for his team.”

Roosters celebrate a try. Picture: Jeremy Ng

A smart dart from dummy half by Roosters hooker Jaxson Allen opened the scoring for the home team in the third minute with the Eels hitting back almost immediately, thanks to a classy ball from Eels five-eighth Blaize Talagi to put centre Michael Gabrael into space on the left edge.

In the final moments in the first half, Gabrael again found space on the outside and drew in the Roosters fullback for winger Luke Maroun to score and the halftime scoreline to read 10 – 6.

Zach Fittler takes on the Eels defence. Picture: Jeremy Ng

Zach Fittler with dad Brad after the match. Picture: Jeremy Ng

A forward pass by the Eels from the second half kick off gifted the Roosters field position before the halves linked up to send right centre and Camden Rams junior Lachlan Dooner across the tryline.

A strong solo effort from close range by Roosters back rower Ethan Roberts saw the Sydney side hit the lead in the 38th minute, with a smart run from hooker Jaxson Allen after a swift Fittler play-the-ball saw Roosters extend the lead to 22-10 with 11 minutes remaining.

Eels winger Richard Penisini scored with less than five minutes remaining for the final score to be 22 – 14.