NSWRL to premiere behind-the-scenes doco of 2018 Origin win

After suffering under a near decade of Queensland domination, NSW’s 2018 State Origin victory was a joyous, emotional achievement. And a new documentary is set to show Blues fans how it all unfolded.

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The premiere of a movie about last year’s history making Blues is set for launch — and the entire 2019 squad will be shown the absorbing footage on their bus rides to training.

In a rugby league first, the NSWRL are set to premiere Behind The Blues a documentary which will reveal never-before-seen footage from Brad Fittler’s “Rookie Blues” 2018 series win.

Twelve months in the making, the NSWRL spent last year’s series secretly filming every moment of the Blues Origin build-up and historic series win.

The NSWRL recorded more than one hundred hours of never before-seen footage which will make for fascinating viewing.

Fittler brought the Blues into a new era. Image: AAP Image/David Moir

What began as an idea and opportunity to pull back the curtain on Fittler’s “new era’ Blues has transformed into a perfectly timed archive of incredible video.

The footage will take viewers inside the players’ meetings where Fittler and his staff plotted Queensland’s downfall, at the team’s quirky yoga sessions, on the team bus, inside the coach’s box on Origin night and with the players in the dressing rooms after the series was won.

One-on-one interviews with coaching staff and players is also captured.

It’s yet another example of Fittler’s “open door” policy and desire to promote the Blues by using different forms of media to excite and re-engage with fans across the state.

The bond between the coaching team gave the players a model. Image: Phil Hillyard

“You get a feel for the personalities, but what you also get a feel for is how close the relationship is between the coaches Freddy (Fittler), Brandy (Greg Alexander) and Bedsy (Danny Buderus),’’ NSWRL CEO David Trodden said.

“It gives a perspective you just don’t see. It’s all access.

“It’s special not only because of the behind-the-scenes vision and the raw emotion of just seconds before the players run out onto ANZ Stadium, but it’s special because you see a real insight into the relationships.’’

In the end, it all comes down to this. Image: AAP Image/Darren England

Trodden paid tribute to Fittler for agreeing to have a microphone attached to his shirt throughout the entire series last year.

“We have considered this (type of documentary) before and the answer (from previous coaching staff) has been no, it’s too risky.

“It’s also consistent with the bold thinking that Freddy was rewarded for last year, the 13 debutants in his first game as an Origin coach, that’s really courageous stuff.

“Not only will Blues fans enjoy this footage, but even Queensland fans will. It’s an insight into rugby league you just don’t see.’’

Behind The Blues airs nationally on Nine after Friday night football.