Brad Fittler's return to coaching locked in after sad revelation about toll of NSW Origin job
The NRL great will return to the hot seat of coaching - but in a less pressure-packed environment.
Brad Fittler has been unveiled as the new coach of the Prime Minister's XIII team, 12 months after stepping down from his role as NSW boss in State of Origin. The Australian Rugby League Commission announced on Thursday that Fittler and Jess Skinner will lead the men's and women's teams respectively as the PM's XIII play international fixtures against Papua New Guinea on October 13.
The men and women will play a double header at Santos Stadium in Port Moresby to kick off the international window, which will precede the Pacific Championships. The new role for Fittler marks his return to top-level coaching after stepping down as NSW State of Origin coach late last year.
The 52-year-old led the Blues for six years, finishing with three series wins and three losses. He lost the final two series he coached after Billy Slater became Queensland mentor, and decided he wouldn't put his hand up for the role in 2024.
Fittler opted to step down after NSW Rugby League bosses decided to reduce the role to a part-time capacity, and Michael Maguire took over the job instead. Maguire enjoyed immediate success, leading NSW to a 2-1 series victory in 2024.
Fittler had previously opened up about the intense scrutiny and criticism he received throughout his tenure, and how it eventually took a toll on his wife and kids. "I've got my methods and strategies [to deal with criticism] in place for this job. I've worked it out, but for the first time, all this talk has affected my partner and my kids," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
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He earlier said in an interview with 2GB: "You definitely take the losses harder as a coach. It is not about if I want to do it or not, it's about what is best for the team. The last couple of series have been pretty gruelling and I think me being there adds pressure to the team as well. I also need to take that into consideration.
"There are some decent decisions that need to be made. At the end of the day it is all about who is the best person for the job and they then have to go and find that person."
Prime Minister's XIII games to kick off international window
The Prime Minster's XIII job shapes as the perfect role for Fittler to make his return to coaching. There won't be nearly the same amount of scrutiny as there was when he was NSW coach, and it poses a chance for the 52-year-old to show he's still got what it takes to lead a top team.
ARL Commission Chairman Peter V’landys said of the PM's XIII fixtures: “We’ve been thrilled and captivated by some of the best football we’ve ever witnessed across the 2024 NRL and NRLW seasons and fortunately for all rugby league fans, the season doesn’t end with the Grand Final. The international rugby league season kicks off on October 13 and all the stars fans have been cheering through the season from the NRL and NRLW clubs will be on display in their national colours.
"It all starts with the Prime Minister’s XIII matches and continues with the Pacific Championships played across four nations. Rugby League is king in PNG and the two Prime Minister’s XIII matches will grip the country. It will be a great occasion and an incredible experience for the players involved."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Sport brings us together, both on and off the field. Rugby league is effectively the national sport of Papua New Guinea. What better way to bring Australia and Papua New Guinea closer together than through rugby league.”
