NRL legend Brad Fittler’s son signs with rival football code

Former NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler’s teen son has knocked back offers to play NRL after a rival code swooped in.

Brad Fittler. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images.

NRL legend Brad Fittler’s son Zach has signed up with the Waratahs and committed to playing the 15-a-side code.

The 18-year-old had been considering a future in both the NRL and rugby in recent months and has made the decision to snub the 13-a-side code despite coming through the Roosters’ junior development system.

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Zach’s selection in a NSW representative training camp at the age of just 16 made headlines in 2022 — and the talented footballer remains on a meteoric rise towards professional football.

At the time, Fittler juggled playing union for the Scots College first XV and was selected in the Waratahs and Australian under-16 sides.

He also played league for the Roosters in Harold Matthews Cup and made the NSW Blues under 17s squad while playing a year above his age group.

Brad Fittler is just a proud dad. Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images.

Fittler has now reached the point where he has to make a decision — and rugby has won the battle.

The Waratahs on Wednesday confirmed Zach has signed a two-year elite development contract with the team to potentially play Super Rugby

According to the SMH, the poaching raid on Fittler went right to the top of Rugby Australia with the governing body getting involved as owners of the Super Rugby team.

It comes after the Roosters and Rugby Australia traded recruitment barbs this year after Joseph Sua’ali’i signed a staggering $10 million deal to chase the dream of playing for the Wallabies.

Fittler will not feature in the Waratahs’ top squad, but will train alongside Waratahs players in a part-time role.

Zach Fittler with the Roosters. Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp.

However, the move means Fittler will get a chance to play in the Waratahs academy side and can potentially earn selection in the Junior Wallabies (under 20s) team in 2025.

NSW Rugby talent identification manager Andrew Cleverley confirmed the news.

“Given Zach’s character, attitude and ability, we are very excited for him to continue developing in the NSW Waratahs pathways system for the next two years,” he said.

The hulking teenager is viewed as a damaging runner and has previously played at centre and in the second-row.

Cleverley earlier this year said: “Zach, in our opinion, fits a power athlete playing in the middle of the field. Zach Fittler definitely fits rugby union.

Brad Fittler, former head coach of the Blues. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images.

“There are a lot of kids these days who are both, they’re not just a rugby kid or a league kid. We call them dual athletes. And it can be a tough decision for kids who are brilliant at both games.”

Brad Fittler, meanwhile, has done his best not to put pressure on his son.

“At the end of the day, my son enjoys playing both. I try to just stay a fan and it can be tricky as a parent,” he said.

“Both codes are on offer there for him, but I stay out of telling him anything, really.

“I find he doesn’t listen to me anyway. I am just happy he is out enjoying himself.”

The Roosters and Panthers legend told 9News in 2022: “I’m very aware he has his own coaches. There are a lot of times where I want to say something and most probably the hardest part of my day is not.”