Brad Fittler extends stay as New South Wales coach

Drew Darbyshire

New South Wales coach Brad Fittler has signed a one-year contract extension with the Blues to 2021.

The Australian, who is currently serving his third year as Blues coach, last year steered NSW to their first back-to-back Origin series win since 2004-05.

Fittler said: “I am really grateful for the NSWRL Board’s strong show of faith in me and our Origin and pathways programme.

“It also means my coaching future won’t be a distraction throughout our preparation and defence of the Origin shield.

“I am really fortunate to have this job and it gives me great pride in seeing how much it unites the state.

“Given the year that the entire community has endured from droughts and bushfires to the COVID-19 pandemic, I can’t think of a better way to end the year and lift community spirits. I can’t wait for Origin.”

NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said: “Winning two from two series, the board obviously could not be happier with the way things are going with Origin and they were very pleased to extend Brad’s contract when they met today.

“They have every confidence the run of success will continue this year.”

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