New South Wales are officially in the market for a new head coach after Brad Fittler's tenure came to an end after suffering successive series losses.
"The two parties agreed to part ways following a six-year stint which saw Fittler win three series, including back-to-back shields in 2018 and 2019 and a record-breaking series win in 2021 when all three games were played in Queensland," the NSWRL noted in a statement.
Brad Fittler's reign as New South Wales coach ends
Brad Fittler's reign appeared to be hanging by a thread, with his side fighting off a potential Queensland clean sweep on home soil to temporarily keep the wolves at bay. Although, his stay of execution lasted just a few more months before the coach departed from his post.
MORE: Billy Slater handed Maroons contract extension
"The board understands and respects his decision," NSWRL Chairman, Paul Conlon, said while revealing that Fittler turned down a one-year deal to coach the Blues in 2024.
"Freddy was a legend as a player and returned to coach the team at a time when his state needed him.
"He enjoyed immediate success and his series win in 2021, which included record scorelines in Townsville and Brisbane, will go down in NSW Blues history.
"He holds a special place in NSW rugby league history."
Fittler had a 50 per cent strike rate in the job - far better than some past NSW coaches - but his contract expired at the conclusion of the series, and despite reports he was set to go around again, his time has come to an end.
Fittler's contract stipulated he would be granted a one-year extension if the Blues were to win this year's series, however the side were outclassed by the Maroons to plunge his future into doubt.
The 51-year-old presented his plan to the NSWRL boards, which included bringing in Phil Gould as an advisor.
However, on Thursday afternoon the NSWRL announced Fittler's time in charge of the Blues had come to an end after he chose to walk away.
"I loved doing the job for NSW and I will always love NSW," Fittler said upon his departure.
Who will replace Brad Fittler as NSW Origin coach?
At this stage, there are no clear front-runners for the top job with the Blues as the NSWRL seek expressions of interest for the 2024 series.
Paul McGregor, Danny Buderus and Andrew Johns have all been involved on the coaching staff in recent years, while the likes of Michael Maguire and Ricky Stuart have also been suggested.
Left-field options for the coaching role including Matty Johns and Michael Cheika, while multi-time premiership winner Craig Bellamy is unlikely to consider going back to Origin duties.
For the full breakdown of potential NSW coaches, click here.
Brad Fittler NSW contract
Fittler's contract as NSW head coach expired at the end of 2023 and has not been renewed with the Blues now on the lookout to replace Fittler for next year.
Phil Gould on NSW Blues situation with Brad Fittler
Speaking on a recent episode of 100% Footy, Gould revealed the details of his conversations with Fittler and why he felt obliged to lend a hand to the NSW legend before the shock news of his departure.
“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 done it... I’ve tried to repay that," he said.
"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. I think it’s only simply to talk to him and whatever he needs.
"If Brad Fittler needs something from me, I’ll say yes."
Gould and Fittler both became acquainted in the early-1990s, with the pair working together at the Panthers, before rekindling their relationship at the Roosters from 1995-1999.
The current Bulldogs boss also coached Fittler in the representative arena on numerous occasions and the pair have remained close friends ever since - but that didn't stop Gould from levelling a hard truth at the current Blues coach.
"I think it will come down to tenure – I don’t think there’s any doubt Brad Fittler will probably be appointed, but for how long? I think he was looking for a couple of years," Gould said.
"They’ve lost two in a row and it would be hard to keep your job if you’ve lost three in a row. That’s the nature of the beast, he understands it.
“He’s yet to be appointed, that comes this week and he spoke to me about his plans for other people he is going to bring into the coaching staff and inner sanctum around Origin.
"It’s important for the Blues, they’ve lost two in a row and you can’t go on like that… he needs a win."
