State of Origin 2018: NSW legends pull together to help Fittler retake Origin for NSW
NSW’s State of Origin rebirth didn’t come easy, nor was it simply Brad Fittler. The Blues coach called on the insight of six NSW legends with more than 70 games of Origin experience to overcome the might of Queensland.
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IT is the high-powered Blues brotherhood which has secretly helped write Brad Fittler’s series-winning team into State of Origin history.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the six NSW legends with more than 70 games of Origin experience who have come together behind the scenes to assist NSW overcome the might of Queensland.
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The Blues coaching staff have gone for a group effort, tapping into the knowledge bank of some of the NRL’s sharpest minds. They include:
*Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan;
*St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has provided help owith Jack De Belin, Paul Vaughan, Tyson Frizell and Tariq Sims;
*Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has assisted with James Tedesco, Latrell Mitchell and Boyd Cordner;
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* Manly’s Trent Barrett has guided the Trbojevic brothers Jake and Tom;
* Penrith general manager Phil Gould has mentored Panthers James Maloney, Nathan Cleary and Tyrone Peachey;
*South Sydney assistant David Furner has given input on Damien Cook and Angus Crichton;
*Melbourne supremo Craig Bellamy has offered insight on Josh Addo-Carr; and
* Former NSW star and Fox Sports commentator Matthew Johns has lent his support.
McGregor, Johns, Barrett and Furner played 37 Origin matches for NSW between them, while Gould and Bellamy coached the Blues in a combined 33 games through 11 series.
This experience has proved invaluable to Fittler and his staff Danny Buderus, Greg Alexander and Andrew Johns.
“They are all Blues coaches and players. There was a fair bit of chat to each of them about their players,” Alexander said. “It was great getting the full support from all those former Origin legends for the Blues.
“They have all been great, talking about their own players. They know their players better than we do. They know them like no-one else.
“We wanted to make sure their players were good to go with us.
“Craig Bellamy has been fantastic, even before the series started, as a sounding board, having a chat. Me, Freddy (Fittler) and Bedsy (Buderus) went down and saw him before Origin I.
“Mary McGregor, he’s a former Blues great. He’s been terrific in regards to his players at the Dragons; providing further information about his players, which is always helpful.
“It was great getting as much information about each individual as possible.
“Robbo (Robinson) has been good, Gus (Gould), Dave Furner, another great NSW player. I know Freddie also spoke to Baz (Barrett). Freddy also spoke with Shane Flanagan before we picked Matt Prior.”
Matthew Johns, who watched NSW train, spoke about his role with the Blues.
“I have had a bit to do with a couple of clubs here and there, and a few of the individuals, Freddy, Bedsy and Brandy would just ring up for an opinion,” Johns told The Daily Telegraph.
“A couple of times Danny rang me and said: ‘You’ve done a bit with Melbourne, can you give me an idea on this bloke and how he attacks’. What do you think about him? What does he do? His tendencies? What’s he like as a bloke?
“I run into Danny and ‘Brandy’ not only socially but a lot at work and you just start to talk and you offer an opinion on certain things.
“Everyone was thinking enough is enough. With the side they have picked, it has felt like a change. It’s hard to put your finger on exactly why, but there has been a shift in support.
“You felt this year that things were going to be different. And that’s how it has turned out. I’m like any other NSW person that wants to see the side go well. It is an honour to be asked.”
NSW trained for 90 minutes at their new Centre of Excellence next to Sydney Olympic Park.
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