Brad Fittler leaves the door open to taking Canterbury Bulldogs job
Brad Fittler is refusing to rule out coaching the Canterbury Bulldogs next season but is focused on New South Wales and his commentary work for now.
The Bulldogs are in the hunt for a new coach for 2023 following the departure of Trent Barrett. Mick Potter has taken the job on an interim basis for the rest of the season. However he is unlikely to land the gig full-time.
Panthers assistant Cameron Ciraldo is reported to be Canterbury’s number one choice. However it is thought he is not interested in taking the role.
Brad Fittler leaves door ajar
Paul Green, Shane Flanagan and Kristian Woolf are said to be options for the Bulldogs. Fittler’s name has also been thrown into the frame.
When asked about the possibility of coaching the Bulldogs, Fittler has often completely ruled it out. However when quizzed by the Sydney Morning Herald, he said the door is ajar.
Taking the job still looks unlikely. Fittler is loving life as coach of New South Wales, who he is contracted to in 2023. He also enjoys his work as a commentator and pundit for channel 9’s NRL coverage. Even so the former Roosters star says you can never rule anything out.
“I will never, ever rule out anything,” he told the Herald. “But right now, had you asked me as a kid to picture what my two best jobs would be, one would be commentating on rugby league, and the other would be coaching Origin. I’m now doing both those jobs.
“There will be nothing done while I’m doing these two jobs. I leave every door ajar.”
The reports have also claimed Fittler could take the job if he is made an offer that he cannot refuse.
Bulldogs lose again
Meanwhile Canterbury continue to struggle after losing 30-18 against Penrith on Friday night. The Panthers were missing all their State of Origin stars but still managed to get the job done.
They did close to within two points of the Panthers at one stage, trailing 20-18, but Penrith pulled clear in the last 10 minutes.
“Apart from our overplaying, I’m quite happy with our attack but we’re just giving the other team too many opportunities,” Potter told reporters post-match. “We have to build our resilience in our ‘D’ early on. Right at the moment, it’s not acceptable and we need to start better.”
The Bulldogs sit bottom of the NRL ladder with just two wins from 13 games.