How Brad Fittler resurrected the broken Blues by cutting veterans and taking a chance on youngsters

He has only coached in one State of Origin series but he already boasts a 100 per cent success rate.

Brad Fittler played a crucial role in steering his charges to just the second NSW Blues series win over the Queensland Maroons in 13 years. 

Fittler took a gamble when he took over the reins of the Blues by cutting veterans in favour of young players and using some unique training techniques. 

NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler (centre) celebrates with his captain Boyd Cordner (left) and player Josh Addo-Carr after their State of Origin series 

The NSW Blues players celebrate winning the series in Sydney on Sunday night 

The NSW Blues players celebrate winning the series in Sydney on Sunday night 

Fittler embraces his players, including Boyd Cordner, post match

Fittler embraces his players, including Boyd Cordner, post match

And it all paid off in Sydney on Sunday night when the Blues ran out 18-14 winners.

Less than a week before the Blues hit the field, Fittler had players walking barefoot at a recovery season, where the focus was not so much on rugby league but more on yoga, breathing techniques and inner peace.

Blues players had mused at the time how they were soaking up the ‘nutrients’ of Coogee Oval, having taken off their shoes and socks in the 12 degree weather. 

Following the series victory, Jack De Belin said while much had been said about Fittler’s training regime, the proof was in the result.

‘I can’t speak highly enough of (Fittler),’ De Belin said. 

‘Everyone’s been going on about his yoga and his breathing and that. Look at the results… we were down on our luck tonight and we still found a way to win.’   

It is just the second time in 13 years the NSW Blues have won a State of Origin series over the Queensland Maroons 

It is just the second time in 13 years the NSW Blues have won a State of Origin series over the Queensland Maroons 

James Tedesco (right) embraces teammate David Klemmer after the series win 

James Tedesco (right) embraces teammate David Klemmer after the series win 

For game one of the series, Fittler had selected the youngest State of Origin side in more than 20 years, selecting 11 debutantes in the 17-man side. 

He had put his faith in the young players, such as 20-year-old Nathan Cleary, to lead NSW out of the Origin wilderness.

Blues player Tyson Frizell said of Fittler post-match on Sunday: ‘He’s awesome, he’s a character, he’s so passionate and wants the best out of us’.  

‘All we want to do is play for him and play for the coaching staff,’ Frizell said.  

‘They put a lot of hard work into us. A lot of the young kids in this team have never been a part of this. A lot of work has gone in behind the scenes and we are very thankful for that.’

Fellow player James Maloney said of Fittler: ‘He’s been outstanding. He just backs us to back each other (and) play footy’.   

Fittler said: ‘I love NSW. I had no idea what I could do to improve our fortunes’. 

NSW Blues players celebrate with their fans after Sunday night's memorable victory 

NSW Blues players celebrate with their fans after Sunday night’s memorable victory 



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