The NSW Blues will be looking to continue their momentum from last year's Origin series victory, and are sticking with the coach who has led them to recent success.
Brad Fittler will stay on as the Blues coach for 2022, aiming for a fourth series win in five years.
Who is Brad Fittler?
Brad Fittler had a lengthy playing career before venturing into coaching, enjoying stints at the Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters.
Born in Auburn, New South Wales, he played rugby league throughout his childhood, even making the Australian Schoolboys team in 1988 and 1989.
'Freddy' - as he is commonly known - was handed his first-grade debut whilst still in high school, joining the Panthers in 1989.
He played 119 matches for the side across seven seasons and won one premiership before making the move east to the Roosters.
Fittler led his new side to three consecutive grand finals, winning the 2002 premiership with the Tricolours.
The star five-eighth also had a successful representative career, captaining New South Wales 14 times and leading Australia out for 20 Tests.
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Brad Fittler coaching history
Fittler made his coaching debut in 2007 when Roosters coach Chris Anderson quit the club mid-season.
He stepped in and coached his former side for two seasons before picking up the wooden spoon in 2009 and being replaced.
Since then, he coached the representative NSW City side between 2012 and 2017, as well as the Lebanese national team from 2017 to 2020.
Fittler was named the NSW Blues head coach in 2018 and has been successful in the role, winning three out of the four series he has coached.
NSW coaching staff and assistants
Former Dragons coach Paul McGregor was announced last year as NSW's latest assistant coach.
With former Blues assistant Craig Fitzgibbon being appointed head coach at the Sharks, McGregor will come in as a straight replacement.
When and where is Origin Game 1?
For the first time since 2020, State of Origin will be returning to Sydney's Stadium Australia (currently known as Accor Stadium).
The venue last hosted a series-opener in 2016 and is sure to welcome a packed house this time around, with New South Wales having won three of the past four series.
Brad Fittler's side will go into the match on June 8 with plenty of confidence - the Blues have won 19 of the 29 Origin matches at the venue.
