Origin 2021: Players reach for superlatives as Brad Fittler closes in unique Blues coaching milestone

On the cusp of a bit of NSW coaching history, Brad Fittler has transformed from an unwanted NRL coach into an Origin giant by doing things in his own unique way.

Brad Fittler is rewriting the record books.

From failing to win the unloseable series to the cusp of an Origin clean sweep, NSW coach Brad Fittler is circling – and overtaking — the greats.

The man affectionately known as Freddy is poised to move into equal second place on NSW’s all-time victorious coaching record with a win on Wednesday night in Newcastle.

Victory in the Origin III dead rubber would leave him behind only the great Ron Willey, who holds the greatest win percentage as a coach in NSW Origin history, producing an impressive 71 per cent success rate in his seven matches in charge.

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Brad Fittler and his players celebrate their big win in Brisbane last month.

Former Parramatta coach Terry Fearnley is second on 66.7 per cent, although he coached NSW in just one series in 1985.

Leading NSW players told News Corp why Fittler, who is currently third on 63.6 per cent with seven wins from 11 games, has transformed from an unwanted NRL coach into an Origin giant.

“Freddy is very focused and driven on what he wants to achieve. That makes all our jobs a little bit easier because we know what he expects, what he wants and what he needs. We just need to go out and execute,” NSW forward Tariq Sims said.

Blues hooker Api Koroisau added: “Freddy is a different coach. It’s hard to explain what he does so well.

“He has the technical stuff down pat but he also has a cultural side, which he does really well. By doing that it works into our footy. He is a pretty special coach.”

The Blues players can’t speak highly enough of Fittler’s coaching abilities.

Those below Fittler rank among the finest and best coaches in rugby league history, including Jack Gibson, Ricky Stuart, Craig Bellamy, Frank Stanton, Laurie Daley, Phil Gould, Graham Murray, Tim Sheens and Ted Glossop.

Wayne Pearce and Tom Raudonikis won more than 50 per cent of their games in charge. Daley sits on 40 per cent but had to annually confront one of the greatest Queensland teams of all-time over his five-year tenure.

“Freddy is really passionate and he surrounds himself with a lot of guys who have been successful,” said NSW forward Dale Finucane.

“Look at our coaching staff — Danny Buderus, Craig Fitzgibbon — they are blokes a lot of the current team idolised growing up.

“Brandy (Greg Alexander) is also a great influence on the group. He is a really good character to have around the camp.”

Fittler has been in charge of the Blues since the 2018 series.

Fittler has another fan in hulking NSW prop Junior Paulo.

“As Freddy is, he really knows how to bring a team together,” said Paulo.

“He knows how to make the players, especially the new guys, feel comfortable and to bring out their best.”

NSW trained in Kingscliff on Friday afternoon ahead of next Wednesday night’s dead rubber in Newcastle.