Fittler planning to fight fire with fire
NSW coach Brad Fittler has put his State of Origin future in the hands of two of the game’s loosest cannons.
Fittler handed debuts to Bulldogs forward Tevita Pangai Jr and Canberra backrower Hudson Young.
Amid fears the Blues were bullied in last year’s series, Fittler has turned to two noted firebrands in Pangai Jr and Young.
The pair will be tasked with returning fire against a Queensland side that is coming off a shock series win, a tactic that also comes with risk.
Fittler also handed a debut to Sharks star Nicho Hynes while handing recalls to Josh Addo-carr, Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell.
Asked about the inclusion of Pangai Jr and Young, Fittler said the Blues needed to take some risks after last year’s series defeat.
“We had to make big calls,” Fittler told the Nine Network.
“We had a few back rowers – Angus (Crichton) and Liam Martin – who hadn’t played most of the year. I have been a fan of Tevita for a long time – very skilful, tough bloke.
“I like what they are doing at Canterbury at the moment. They are not winning every game but what they are doing is they are not giving up.
“Watching what he is doing off the ball excites me that he is becoming a much better player. If Tevita can fix up those parts of his game, the talent part is already there.”
Fittler also revealed he had spoken to Damien Cook on Sunday night after the South Sydney star was overlooked for the hooking role – the Blues retained faith in Api Koroisau.
Fittler said Koroisau’s relationship with key players in the NSW side – he played at Penrith with key members of the NSW spine Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai – had played a decisive role in his selection.
“I think Api’s form, his relationship with a few of the players in our team – there has been long relationships though big games,” Fittler said.
“Cooky has been in such good form. I gave him a phone call last night talking about footy … and reassured that if anything happened, he is our man if things go wrong.”