Fittler ends speculation over fullback debate

Tom Gibbs

Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues Coach Brad Fittler has put to bed any suggestions of a change to his fullback position for the 2021 Ampol State of Origin Series, confirming Sydney Roosters’ James Tedesco would retain the No.1 jumper for this year.

Tedesco’s consistency at State of Origin level cannot be understated, having been awarded the Brad Fittler Medal in consecutive years for the Blues’ back-to-back Shield wins in 2018 and 2019.

From his 13 State of Origin appearances, the 28-year-old has produced seven tries, ten try assists, 13 linebreaks and 11 linebreak assists while averaging six tackle breaks and 198 run metres. In 2019 he was named vice-captain alongside Boyd Cordner before taking the reins as captain the following year after the latter was ruled out of the series through concussion.

Fittler, who was at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence this week to assist with positional coaching for the Country and City pathways teams, said the 2019 Wally Lewis Medal winner would take the field at fullback for the series opener in less than three weeks time.

“I think Teddy will be there, he’s done an incredible job for us at fullback,” Fittler said.

“I think him going down early in the game in the last game really hurt our chances.

“He’s a big part of what we do, and he's been doing really well at fullback so I think it would be silly to move him out of there.”

Fittler also commented on the quality of versatile fullback options who were unavailable in 2020 and the debate surrounding Ryan Papenhuyzen missing out on selection at the time.

“Last year we didn't have Turbo, we didn’t have Latrell, we didn’t have someone to really cover that,” Fittler said.

“Gutho was the one covering all the positions (in the backline).

“In hindsight, whether or not we got the bench wrong or right last year – very rarely do you go in thinking that a fullback’s going to go down.”

Looking forward to this year’s series, however, the coach is confident in the fact that the NSW eligible fullbacks are among the top performers in the NRL season so far.

“The thing for us is our fullbacks are possibly the best players in the game at the moment,” he said.

“They’re comfortable playing different positions so it allows us to be flexible on the bench.”

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles custodian Tom Trbojevic has had an unbelievable run of form since returning from a hamstring injury. In his four matches so far, Trbojevic has recorded five tries, eight try assists, nine linebreaks, seven linebreak assists and 20 tackle breaks.

“He has been incredible,” Fittler said.

“What he’s doing at the moment is bringing people to the game and making crowds bigger because he’s got everyone watching.

“Everything’s flowing off the back of the little bit of confidence they (the Sea Eagles) have built themselves, and obviously he’s just adding the icing at the moment.

“They’ve got a big game this week against Brisbane, so it will be interesting (to see how he plays).”

South Sydney fullback Latrell Mitchell has also caught Fittler’s attention in 2021 through his increased involvement and overall influence on the Rabbitohs’ results to start the season.

“(I’ve enjoyed) how busy he was,” he said.

“I think a lot of people had this idea that he only engages in certain parts of the game and I’ve found he’s been a lot busier than everyone thought he was going to be.

“That was (the most impressive), and when they (South Sydney) needed a try he scored, so anytime players do that you realise they’re something special.”

The Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues team for Game One of the 2021 of the Ampol State of Origin Series at the MCG On Wednesday 9 June will be announced after the conclusion of Round 12.