Benny Elias slams Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield for his criticism of Brad Fittler after Origin game 3

Phil “Buzz” Rothfield’s criticism of NSW coach Brad Fittler has drawn a fiery response from Blues great Benny Elias. But whose opinion to do you agree with?

Brad Fittler looks on after the Blues were defeated by the Maroons during game three of the State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on November 18, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Benny Elias has slammed The Daily Telegraph’s Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield for his criticism of Blues coach Brad Fittler in his post-match column.

Buzz questioned why the Blues had picked four middle forwards on the bench instead of a utility like Ryan Papenhuyzen to cover for injuries.

On Fox Sports news, Elias blew up.

“Coming from Phil Rothfield, come on,” he said.

“I don’t take too much serious note on what he writes, especially after the occasion, why didn’t you say that before the occasion?

Read Buzz’s full column: How Fittler’s tactical error cost Blues

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Brad Fittler looks on after losing the State of Origin series decider. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“If you want to be critical, that’s what makes Phil Rothfield, he’s very critical and always clever after the occasion. You can’t be bagging this stuff.

“Freddie Fittler has done the state proud in the last three years, I know his team very well and they work very hard. In this case with Phil Rothfield he’s way out of whack and out of order.’

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Buzz responded in a statement to Fox Sports news.

“The fact Benny can’t recognise the Blues should have carried a Papenhuyzen, Keary or Stephen Crichton on the bench to cover for injuries shows why he has never been invited into coaching roles in the game.

“Look what QLD achieved from having Harry Grant on the bench, and not another big bopper. Greg Alexander is on record this morning as saying, in hindsight, they should have had Papenhuyzen on the bench. I take any criticism from Elias as a compliment.”