Fittler’s Blues on Parr for a revival

HE’S helped steer Maroon greats like Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott to the NRL’s promised land, but North Queensland football manager Peter Parr wants to ensure the Blues’ new coaching staff “only has to worry about football” after joining NSW’s management team.

And he has no doubt the club will remain a well-oiled machine while he’s away in camp, with other Cowboys staffers to shoulder more responsibility.

Parr has been a figurehead in developing the Cowboys’ culture into one of the best in the game in 15 years in Townsville, and new Blues coach Brad Fittler has headhunted his expertise.

Former Blues forward Paul Sironen has also joined the Blues management, while Danny Buderus has been appointed Fittler’s assistant coach for the campaign against Queensland.

Parr views the role as a personal growth opportunity, and was given the green light to accept the position by the Cowboys front office and coach Paul Green.

Other Cowboys staff members will get the chance to take on a bigger load when he is on Blues duty.

Parr joked he hadn’t received many good luck messages from north of the border, but jumped at the chance to help Fittler in his first series in charge.

“He (Fittler) had a conversation with me during the year and asked if he was appointed would I consider coming on board,” Newcastle-born Parr admitted.

“I’m no different to a player or coach, being involved in the elite level of our sport appeals to me.

“There’s obviously a real challenge there with the changing of the guard in the coaching staff.

“Throughout my career I’ve wanted to take on different challenges.

“We have some really capable staff here who we’re keen to give a bit more responsibility to, in my absence they’ll be able to which will be good for them.”