- Fittler unveils new job at the NRL
- Resigned as Blues coach in September
- Acclaimed new Blues coach Michael Maquire
Former NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler has announced his new job following a dramatic departure from the State of Origin role, which saw him replaced by Michael Maquire.
Fittler, 51, resigned in September after rejecting a five-month extension offer from the NSWRL board.
After months of speculation, Maguire was officially announced as NSW's new man in charge as the Blues completed an overhaul of their coaching staff for the next State of Origin series.
Fittler's new role is to advise the NRL on ways to increase rugby league participation and pathways.
“I have a new role now, so I'm working on that,” Fittler said News Corp.
Bead Fittler has a new role in NRL Pathways following his dramatic departure as NSW Blues coach
Fittler stepped down from his role in September after another series loss in 2023
Maguire left his role in charge of the New Zealand national team to take on the role from 2024, when NSW will hope to bounce back from successive series defeats.
Fittler had only good things to say about the man who took over from him.
“How they (NSWRL) make their decision to get a coach is up to them,” Fittler said. “But I think 'Madge' (Maguire) is a good deal.
“He's strong with what he's done with the Kiwis. He has a good reputation and I think he will do well.
“I've never been coached by him, but when I look at the time he played at South Sydney and he had good players, he knows how to get the best out of them, I think.”
Maguire will be in contact with current Blues players in the coming weeks and months, but insists only those who start the season in good form will be added to the selection table.
“That's the key to putting together a successful team,” Maguire told AAP.
“I'm going to make sure everyone is in shape during that period going into Origin because you need that.
Maguire left his role in charge of the New Zealand national team to take up the NSW role
Fittler said Maguire is a good appointment for the NSW coaching role
'In the long term, the opportunities lie ahead for them (the current group of players) because of the way they work on the field.'
That mentality will extend to long-time captain and full-back James Tedesco, to whom Fittler has been staunchly loyal in the 2023 series despite criticism of his form.
Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, Dylan Edwards and Scott Drinkwater are other full-backs, with Maguire noncommittally asked if Tedesco would be selected in 2024.
“Honestly, the answer is I don't know at this point because I haven't spoken to him,” Maguire said.
'I want to know where he is, I think that's a very important part. If he goes and plays his best footy then that will be enough for him.
“When you're playing at your best, your belief is at the highest level and being able to transfer that to camp is a big part of the game that might make all the difference.”