Bombshell Brad Fittler news dropped on live radio

The NSW State of Origin shake-up has begun with major news about Brad Fittler dropped from out of the blue on live radio.

Blues coach Brad Fittler. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images.

Brad Fittler’s closest adviser Greg Alexander has suddenly quit the NSW Blues.

The Penrith legend on Friday morning dropped a bomb on his radio show by announcing he will not be continuing in his role as the Blues’ chief adviser and selector.

The surprise announcement comes with Fittler reportedly set to face the NSW Rugby League board on Friday with his recommendations for what his coaching staff will look like in 2024.

Alexander has been on the books with the Blues since 2018 while Andrew Johns, Danny Buderus and Paul McGregor were also among Fittler’s staff in camp this year.

Fittler is still yet to have his contract extended beyond 2023, but is now reportedly set to be handed a one-year extension.

That extension will reportedly trigger a staff shake-up with Alexander the first senior official to go.

It was reported earlier this week Panthers coach Ivan Cleary will be given a more significant role in game day operations — after he was seen inside the Blues coaching box during the final game of the series won by Queensland this year.

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NSW Blues assistant coach Greg Alexander. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA Newswire.

Blues coach Brad Fittler. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images.

Fittler was in August forced to compile a review of the team’s performance after another disastrous series defeat.

The NSWRL board will now reportedly take in Fittler’s recommendations before making a final decision on his future next month.

However, Alexander on Friday pre-empted any decisions by announcing his departure.

“I spoke to Freddy last week and told him 2023 would be final year,” Alexander said on SEN Breakfast.

“My time is done. After six years, I’ve got to say fantastic years, it’s over for me.

“We didn’t talk about who might do that role (in the future).

“But after six years, and I’ve got to say six fantastic years, up and down, but that’s Origin, the rollercoaster, seductive as it is, to have another go. I’ve just decided that that’s enough.

Blues advisor Greg Alexander and Andrew Johns in NSW camp this year. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images.

“It’s been a massive part of my life for six years. But it’s a big commitment, and I’ve committed elsewhere.”

He said he was recently asked by Fittler if he wanted to continue in 2024, but felt it was the right time to step away.

“When everything calmed down after the trip overseas, I just thought about it,” he said.

“And when Freddy asked me are you good to go again, it‘s not a job that you (should) hesitate on.

“Freddy wants to continue and I certainly wish him well.”

Fittler has won three of the six series he has coached in the Origin arena, but has won just one of the past four series, despite having one of the most talented NSW squads seen in recent years.

There have been calls for Fittler to be sacked after the 2-1 series defeat this year, but the NSWRL board appears set to give him a one-year extension.

Fittler’s contract is reported to have included a clause that would have guaranteed him a one-year extension with a series win in 2023 — however, he has now been made to sweat and will only find out if he still has the job next month.

Alexander is expected to continue in his role with the radio network.

NSW women’s coach Kylie Hilder will also front the NSWRL board on Friday.