Brad Fittler’s reign as NSW State of Origin coach is over after he rejected a one-year contract extension to remain in charge of the Blues for 2024.
One week after pitching for his job at a NSW Rugby League board meeting, Fittler told bosses on Thursday he was withdrawing his application to stay on.
Fittler’s exit ends a six-year tenure in charge of NSW, that included back-to-back series wins in 2018 and 2019 before three series losses in the past four years.
Fittler’s contract offer was reportedly a downgrade on his previous deal, after he was previously employed by the NSWRL in a full-time capacity.
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“The board understands and respects his decision,” the NSWRL chair, Paul Conlon, said in a statement.
“Freddy was a legend as a player and returned to coach the team at a time when his state needed him. He enjoyed immediate success and his series win in 2021, which included record scorelines in Townsville and Brisbane, will go down in NSW Blues history.
“He also contributed through other programs including his Hogs motorcycle rides in regional NSW which played a big part in uniting the state. He holds a special place in NSW rugby league history.”
Fittler said he thoroughly enjoyed his time coaching the Blues.
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