NSW’s secret weapon! Brad Fittler reveals why Penrith boss Ivan Cleary was in coach box during Game III win against Queensland as Blues boss makes classy gesture to stars he dropped from team
Brad Fittler revealed that Ivan Cleary came up with “pretty good answers” after being asked to sit in the coach box for the State of Origin final on Wednesday night.
The Panthers coach was spotted laughing behind Fittler as Bradman Best scored his second try debut to complete New South Wales’ 24-10 victory over Queensland at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.
After the game, the beleaguered Blues boss said he asked the two-time Premiership-winning coach for some advice as New South Wales scrambled to avoid a series of whitewashes.
“I just asked him if he wanted to sit in the penalty spot,” he said during the post-match press conference.
“I’m impressed with him, the way he handles matches and I thought maybe he could help tonight.”
Ivan Cleary was behind Brad Fittler as the Blues beat Queensland 24-10 on Wednesday
Fittler revealed that he had invited the Penrith coach to watch the match from the coach’s box
Cleary sat next to Blues advisor Greg Alexander and assistant coaches Danny Buderus and Paul McGregor.
According to the The Sydney Morning HeraldHowever, the New South Wales Rugby League insisted Cleary had ‘no official role’ with the Blues.
Meanwhile, Fittler remained coy about his future.
The Blues lost a third series in four years and the Game III victory, while encouraging, could prove insignificant.
“Ultimately it may have influenced what the board would think because they will decide who will be the future coach,” Fittler said.
‘I’m collecting them [NSWRL] will talk to me about how i feel and if i have the energy and if i want to do it so they play well today and most likely win [bodes well].
“The consequences of being defeated by 30 would be different.”
When asked if he wanted to continue the role, Fittler replied, “We’ll wait and see.
New South Wales avoided a first whitewash in 13 years with a convincing victory over Queensland
“I’ll be here for a few more months, so we’ll wait and see.”
If Game III turned out to be his last game in charge of New South Wales, Fittler signed off in a stylish gesture after inviting a number of Blues players who were not selected to attend the series final.
Nicho Hynes, who made his Origin debut in the series opener and was controversially dropped for the next two games, was invited to be part of the Blues’ build-up on game day.
He was joined by Junior Paulo, Hudson Young and injured stars Tom Trbojevic, Nathan Cleary and Api Koroisau.