How Brad Fittler changed the course of State of Origin history

BRAD Fittler spearheaded the demise of the Maroons’ dynasty, and his achievement has drawn praise from all circles of the rugby league community.

BRAD Fittler spearheaded the demise of the Maroons’ dynasty, and his achievement has drawn praise from all circles of the rugby league community.

Speaking on Monday Bunker, Daily Telegraph columnist’s Phil Rothfield and Paul Crawley commended Fittler for adopting his unique blueprint into the youthful squad and making the tough calls that ultimately led to the downfall of Queensland.

“When Freddy Fittler took over as coach we probably questioned whether it was the right decision,” Crawley said.

“We wondered if his whacky ways would be the right call, but as it’s turned out he showed that he’s a winner. He was a winner as a player and he’s a winner as a coach.

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Brad Fittler tried something different when he came into the Blues coaching role... and it worked. Picture: AAP

“How much credit does he deserve for not just changing the course of history, he changed the side, he made the tough calls to bring in 11 debutants and change the culture more than anything.”

Buzz also applauded Fittler, saying to his lengthy relationship with a number of the Blues debutants likely contributed to their recent Origin success.

“This hasn’t been one Origin campaign in the making. You look at how long he’s been in the system with Laurie Daley, he started in 2013,” Rothfield said.

“A lot of these players, we call them rookies and we call them debutants which they are, but Freddy’s brought them through the 16s, the 18s and the 20s.

“He knew a lot about their character before he chose them and he obviously had great confidence in them. He has done a sensational job.”