NRL News 2022: NSW coach Brad Fittler blasts player transfer system after Brandon Smith saga, wants draft

NSW may be the current Origin champions but that doesn’t mean Brad Fittler isn’t thinking of the future, with the coach reeling off a couple of names to that can make a big impact - and soon.

When Brad Fittler steps off his Harley-Davidson in Gulgong on Monday, he knows which conversation is coming.

Only because it will have been the same in Wagga Wagga.

Then before that, Kiama.

A yarn too, which will differ from the one Freddy usually encounters on his annual Hogs for the Homeless ride, when that first question traditionally goes straight to his role as NSW Origin coach.

“And which players I should pick,” he laughs.

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Brad Fittler is readying to set off on his latest Hogs for Homeless ride. Picture: Dylan Robinson

But this year?

“I think people are really disillusioned with everything around the NRL contracts,” Freddy says, referencing that latest swirl of headlines including, but not limited to, Billy Kikau in a Bulldogs shirt, Hectic Cheese dropping f-bombs and Parramatta supporters assuming the foetal position.

All of which is driving fans nuts.

“And it’s what irks me the most too,” Fittler says. “Players signing (to new clubs) 12 months before they leave … it’s all got to the point of ridiculousness.”

Felesi Kaufusi has signed with the Dolphins – but has 12 months to go at the Storm.

Which is why Fittler wants the madness stopped.

That, and an NRL Draft introduced.

All of which he will be saying over the next week as he and a crew boasting the likes of Nathan Hindmarsh, Steve Menzies and Ian Schubert cover 3000km, 24 towns and a bucketload of clinics.

If Leichhardt Oval is truly the eighth wonder of the world, then Freddy’s Hogs trip must surely sit ninth.

With this unstoppable Blues boss once again setting out, in conjunction with the NSWRL, to raise money, awareness and spirits, while also promoting junior registrations and delivering every kid he meets a brand new Steeden.

Oh yeah, Freddy can expect to answer some questions too.

Mate, first off, what do you expect will be the biggest talking points among the footy fans you meet this year?

“Obviously Origin selections is one. People are always giving me advice on who I should pick. But you also have people disillusioned about certain things and, right now, it’s the contract talks. I know that’s what irks me the most. If there is something in the game that needs to be addressed, without doubt, it’s the ridiculous situation we have now with players signing (to new clubs) 12 months before they leave.”

Which one has irked you the most?

“I don’t begrudge players doing what they are because that’s the system, it’s within the rules. Everyone is out there wheeling and dealing. And a lot of winning is done between October to March. But it’s got to the point of ridiculousness. It has to change.”

How do we fix it?

“Players are going to have to give a little. It’s them who forced this issue about being able to sign 12 months out. The RLPA also has a line about players needing time to move clubs. But it’s now become a real sticking point with fans. And it’s the fans who enable players to have footy as a job.”

Thoughts on an NRL draft?

“I’ve always believed in an NRL draft. Exactly what shape that takes I’m not sure, but the game needs to be attached to a draft.”

Melbourne Storm star Brandon Smith during his controversial podcast interview

Happy to see Brandon Smith sign with your old club, the Roosters?

“Has he signed?”

Close enough.

“Well, the Roosters have obviously had a real hoodoo around hookers — I think at one stage (this year) they were up to their fourth — but Brandon is a great player who impacts on every game. That’s why so many clubs chased him.”

Thoughts on his podcast f-bomb-a-thon?

“I haven’t heard the podcast and don’t think I’ll listen to it, either. You don’t go to jail for swearing, but if someone is going to pay you $800,000 to play a game, maybe they don’t want you representing them with a potty mouth. It’s a bit childish really. So if Brandon is fined for being rude and careless with the way he talks, that is what it is.”

What about the argument podcasts aren’t mainstream media?

“The aim of podcasts is to become mainstream. And it’s all a public format.”

Brad Fittler and his Blues celebrate another series win

What chance you become an NRL coach again by 2023?

“It’s a big step definitely, but something I’m not afraid of. I loved coaching at club level and was fortunate to have success and also complete failure – so I know exactly what I’m walking into. I’m contracted with NSW until the end of the next Origin series. And I also have a year to go on my Channel Nine contract. I’ve always said nothing is ever wiped out.”

Would you be willing to come back with a battling club?

“When I took over the Roosters they were coming last. But I knew the background to the club, who runs things there, so it’s about doing your research. And looking at most clubs, it seems with the right people around you, you could make a difference.”

Will James Tedesco captain NSW next year?

“If he is fit, I can’t see why it would change. Teddy did a great job for us this year.”

Did his ‘Squid Game’ saga concern you?

“I’m not going to comment on what did or didn’t happen because I wasn’t there and I haven’t spoken to Teddy about it. The NRL fined him for being drunk and disorderly, right?”

NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler has a laugh with skipper James Tedesco. NRL Imagery

Behaving in a drunken and disorderly manner and bringing the game into disrepute …

“So the league didn’t find it a hangable offence and I’m happy to go with that.”

As NSW coach, who are some youngsters you’re watching?

“I thought Will Penisini did a terrific job this year, Joseph Suaalii will likely get more time, Josh Schuster is putting pressure on … we also have an Emerging camp next week which is exciting.”

What sort of coach will Billy Slater make for Queensland?

“As a player, Billy wasn’t only talented but extremely thorough. He knew oppositions as well as they knew themselves. That’s what he will be as a coach.”

Expect the Maroons to unleash Reece Walsh and Sammy Walker?

“I think it was Billy who really pushed for Reece this year so he obviously isn’t afraid to pick young players, or inexperienced ones. And when you have a look at the Origin III teams, then the talent coming through … I think Origin is about to hit a real golden period.”

Excited to be heading back out west?

“Absolutely. It’s always great getting out there, and better when you go with a purpose. We’re also doing a big push this year around registrations. The NSWRL experienced record growth this year so we want to promote junior regos because there are more great changes coming with things like the Tackle Ready program.”

And next year will be Hogs 10th anniversary …

“We’ve covered around 40,000km so far and have some big plans for our 10th year. It’s exciting. So long as we can just steer clear of this latest little bug, Omicron …”