Fittler spells out new Blue truths
BLUES coach Brad Fittler has given a key insight into NSW’s daring and untried new selection policy — declaring form was not the key criteria.
Heading into tomorrow night’s opening Origin match in Melbourne Fittler said his strategy was based on how players treated their teammates and whether they could relate to each other.
“How they get on,” he said.
“What we did, we forgot about reputation and went on form.
“And that form was gauged a lot on what they were doing week in, week out.
“But also how they treated their teammates — there are things that happen on a footy field that you notice as an ex-player where you say: ‘You know what, I’d like to play with him.’
“That was one of our criteria — someone you want to play with.
“That was one of the main criteria — someone that the coaching staff thought they would want to play with.
“And picking people you think will relate together and get on. It’s been a great experience picking this side. How your mind changes week in, week out. You have to tick off so many things.
“I just feel that if this team can have a bit of luck and things work out, then they could really drive footy forward for NSW for a while. They’ve got great character.”
The Blues will train today for the final time before the big MCG game.
NSW’s 11 debutants appear calm and relaxed but nothing will prepare them for a crowd of 85,000 fans.
“We’ve just got to nail it, as simple as that,” Fittler said.
“There are no second chances. We are all pretty new to the game, the coaches, and a lot of the players as well.
“We’ve got to win this game.”