The NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) will hold off on making a final call on Brad Fittler's future as Blues State of Origin coach, after a meeting to discuss his tenure and the make up of his staff.
Wednesday had loomed as D-Day for the off-contract Fittler, as NSW officials reconvened to discuss a proposal he put to the board last week for next year's coaching staff.
Included was an entire overhaul of the NSW coaching team for next season, with only Fittler to remain.
Fittler's plan included bringing in Phil Gould in an advisory role after Greg Alexander stepped away.
Matt King and Dean Young were pencilled in to join him as assistants, with Paul McGregor and Danny Buderus having confirmed they would not stay on in 2024.
Fittler's plan is yet to be approved by the NSWRL, despite a desire from the board to have the matter resolved this week.
AAP has been told any offer to Fittler to stay on as Blues coach is likely to be for only one year initially, following back-to-back series losses.
No one has put up their hand to coach the Blues next year if Fittler does not carry on.
Such is his standing among former NSW players, applicants are unlikely to come forward unless Fittler's time in charge is brought to an end.
"The NSWRL Board met today to give consideration to the multiple issues involved in the future structure of the NSW Blues State of Origin program and those details could not be resolved to finality at this meeting," chairman Paul Conlon confirmed in a statement.
Gould confirmed earlier this week he would take on any role asked of him by Fittler.
"I can't remember any time in my life where I asked Brad Fittler to do something (and) he didn't say yes straight away, and went and (did) it," Gould said on Nine's 100% Footy.
"I've tried to repay that. He's never really asked for much in his life.
"He rang me last week to say that Greg Alexander was stepping down from his role, and that he'd like me to get involved with the Blues.
"If Brad Fittler needs something from me, I will say yes."
Fittler has won three of six series since taking over State of Origin duties from Laurie Daley in 2018, after a long period of woe for the Blues.
Gould said next year was likely to be make or break for Fittler, after NSW lost the last two series 2-1.
"I think he was looking for a couple of years," Gould said.
"They've lost two in a row, it'd be hard to keep your job if you've lost three in a row. And that's the nature of the beast.
"He understands that, everyone understands it."
Maroons coach Billy Slater also remains uncontracted for 2024, with Queensland Rugby League boss Ben Ikin saying last week negotiations were at an advanced stage.
