Brad Fittler breaks silence over shock Ivan Cleary sighting in Blues' box
The special guest in Brad Fittler's coaching box for Origin III sent the rugby league world into overdrive.
NSW coach Brad Fittler has quipped that Penrith counterpart Ivan Cleary had some 'good answers' for him after the Panthers coach was spotted in the Blues' coaching box for State of Origin III. Under fire after Queensland won the series within the first two games, Fittler and the Blues salvaged some respect with a 24-10 victory in Sydney on Wednesday night.
The sight of Cleary joining the Blues' coaching box almost immediately caught the attention of rugby league observers, especially considering the scrutiny Fittler was under heading into the match. Of interest was the fact that the Blues have veered away from the Panthers combination of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, largely due to injury.
OUCH: Brad Fittler's 'insulting' Clint Gutherson ploy enrages Blues fans
ANGRY: Daly Cherry-Evans moment in Origin sparks 'ridiculous' furore
Instead it was a South Sydney combination of Damien Cook, Cameron Murray and recalled five-eighth Cody Walker that powered NSW to a much needed victory. It remains to be seen whether the win will be enough for Fittler to retain his position, with the 2023 series characterised by heavy criticism over his selections and tactics.
Asked after the match about Cleary's presence in the box, Fittler said he had been a valuable game-day contributor alongside assistants Danny Buderus, Paul McGregor and Blues advisor Greg Alexander. “I just asked him if he’d come and sit in the box,” Fittler said.
“I’m impressed with him the way he handles games and I thought he might be able to help tonight. I asked him a lot of questions... and he came up with pretty good answers.”
Walker made an influential return to the Origin arena, after last playing in the 2020 series. His return was hailed as "genius" by Phil Gould, while Maroons legend Cameron Smith said Cody Walker was easily "the best player on the field".
Blues fans agonise after Cody Walker masterclass
Frustrated NSW fans were left asking why the Rabbitohs playmaker had not featured more earlier in the series, having been one of the premier five-eighths in the NRL for several years. His intelligence and guile with the footy provided the spark in attack for NSW that was absent in the first two games.
Three of NSW's four tries were scored on the left side after Walker found the perfect passes for his supports and his masterclass could spell trouble for Luai, who was selected at No.6 in the first two games.
Speaking on the Nine Network after the game, Gould was in awe of the display from the 33-year-old Blues No. 6. "Gee whiz, If I got fit I could score tries outside of Cody Walker. He is a marvel isn't he? He is just a genius player," Gould said.
"He brought that left side to life and really taunted that Queensland right-hand side defence. I just love the way he changes the pace.
"He gets the ball and everything moves quicker. He gets the ball and everything moves slower. Bradman Best was able to tap into that."
Blues rookie Best had a debut to savour, starring for NSW in a two-try display to pose yet another question of selectors. However, it was Walker's incredible performance that took the rugby league world by storm, with legendary former Maroons captain Smith saying he was "by a clear margin the best player on the field".
Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.
