Brad Fittler rejects rumour Blues star axed after teammate rift

The cold exile of a NSW State of Origin star sparked talk of a falling out within the Blues’ ranks. Coach Brad Fittler has responded.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard of the Blues. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

There were eyebrows raised even before Jordan McLean’s shattering injury in NSW camp.

The chatter got louder when coach Brad Fittler named his replacement.

In an extraordinary series of events, Eels wrecking ball Reagan Campbell-Gillard went from a starting position in the State of Origin series opener to Fittler’s fifth choice option a few weeks later.

Rumours swirled Campbell-Gillard’s omission was the result of a prickly relationship he has with his former Penrith teammates, including playmakers Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai.

Fittler has now dismissed the rumours outright, declaring the decision was his alone.

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Fittler was last week forced to turn to McLean as a result of an injury to Broncos prop Payne Haas.

With McLean then also suffering an injury during a training session, he turned to Newcastle’s Jacob Saifiti while also bringing Sharks star Dale Finucane into his team.

It was a stunning fall from grace for Campbell-Gillard.

“It was my call,” he told 9 News.

“I think Reagan just has a style of footy and right now mostly he doesn’t suit the way we want to play.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard is on the outer. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

“But I love the way he’s gone back to Parramatta. He’s doing some really good things. So I wish him all the best.

“I was my decision to go with Jacob. I’ve always been very open and clear with Reagan and we spoke about his footy and what we need at different times, and it was my decision.”

Fittler also revealed that the first name suggested by the players to join the reserves was Finucane.

Campbell-Gillard was a part of the 17 for game one but after the Blues went down to the Maroons, Fittler made sweeping changes — including dropping the 28-year-old.

McLean, meanwhile, was seen in tears as he confirmed his hamstring injury.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m pretty disappointed,” he said.

“My career has been full of ups and downs and I’ve kind of been used to it but I thought there might be some light at the end of the tunnel getting this opportunity but it wasn’t to be.

“I was just doing normal things at training and I just don’t know what to say. I don’t feel too good at the moment.

“I still haven’t talked to my family and that’s going to be the hardest thing telling my young fellas that I’m not going to be playing.”