Origin job: Johns out

AFTER ruling himself out, Andrew Johns has endorsed Brad Fittler as the next NSW State of Origin coach if Laurie Daley exits.

Fellow NSW greats Johns and Fittler were thrown up as leading coaching contenders in the wake of the Blues’ latest dispiriting series defeat, the fourth in five years under Daley.

But Johns doesn’t want the job.

“I’ve seen what it does, especially this series, with the pressure on Laurie Daley but also (Queensland coach) Kevin Walters was under, I don’t need that in my life,” Johns said on the Nine Network on yesterday.

“If Laurie was not to continue, I think Brad Fittler ... he’s had great success with the City team.” Fittler refused to comment on his availability until Daley’s future was decided but, significantly, didn’t rule out the possibility.