Brad Fittler is all-in. He is not going to die wondering. It has been relatively uncommon over the last decade for coaches to make mass changes at State of Origin level, but the New South Wales coach saw little choice after a terribly disappointing opener that saw the Blues lose on home turf. In doing so, Fittler has not only admitted he got it wrong in Game 1 but has put his reputation well and truly on the line.
Fittler was widely criticised for the team he sent out in Sydney. While many factors contributed to the Blues’ defeat, including an unexpectedly messy ruck, there is little doubt that some of the controversial selection calls hurt NSW.
