The speech that helped Brad Fittler turn the Blues into a family
BLUES coach Brad Fittler gave a speech at the Origin I post-match function that proved how close the Blues have become and the family ties that make them strong.
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CANTERBURY has always been known as the NRL’s family club. Now the Blues have become NSW’s family team.
NSW coach Brad Fittler stood up — unprompted — at a post-match function after Wednesday night’s State of Origin triumph and gave a moving tribute to the families of all Blues players.
The Blues enjoyed a function inside Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel after Wednesday night’s 22-12 win over Queensland at the MCG.
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Players didn’t arrive until around 12.15am but, once there, were immediately touched by Fittler’s words.
Fittler gently silenced the patrons, many believing he would praise and laud his 17 champion players, including 11 debutants.
But Fittler went left-field and focused on the family members of each players, all of whom had gathered for the function.
Families were openly thankful for Fittler’s words, as were the players.
“Freddy got up and actually thanked all the families. He said we picked these boys because of their character and those families had a major influence on their upbringing,” said NSW adviser, Greg Alexander.
“That is why the players are who they are today. I am sure the families appreciated it, that acknowledgment.
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“Freddy told them spoke about how important they were to the team. The families were all there. To see their sons reach the pinnacle of their playing career — which is Origin — was special.
“I don’t know how other camps have been run so I can’t compare but Freddy knew it was important to involve families.
“They make sacrifices with the players and they’ve been on the journey with these for their whole lives.
“We picked these blokes because of their character — that’s what we spoke about all week. I think that stood out on Wednesday night.
“The function was on for the families — 11 families watching their boys play Origin for the first time. We also had a family lunch last Friday at Coogee Surf Club before we broke camp.”
NSWRL chief executive David Trodden is another with strong values and family connections.
He was also present to hear Fittler’s speech.
“We had a post-match function which was for families and the key commercial partners,” Trodden said.
“It was to acknowledge the people who provide us with the support we need for the players to perform on the field. There is no-one more important in that group than the player’s families.
“What Freddy was absolutely true — the families were involved in the character of the player and it was character which got NSW home.
“As much credit needs to go to them as it does anyone else and it was great to hear Freddy acknowledge that in front of the players and families.”
NSW lead the series one-nil and could secure a famous victory at ANZ Stadium on June 24.
NSW’s 11 rookies were still being praised yesterday for their composure and calmness in such a frantic arena.
“The game was non-stop — that match was so quick. Just five penalties and our completion rate was in the 90s. It showcased the best players in our game,” Alexander said.
“We were under the pump. No matter who Queensland pick, they will keep coming and they did. They were gusty
“With all their disruption and all they had to cope with during the week, they had some blokes who really stood up.
“For those 11 blokes, they’d never experienced anything like it. The mood in the NSW was … they were excited about what had happened during the week.”