Disgruntling contract offer behind Freddy quitting

New South Wales Rugby League's part-time offer to Brad Fittler has been revealed as a major sticking point behind his decision to step down.

Fittler's work in the community was well known with the Origin legend conducting countless coaching clinics, charity work and the Hogs for Homeless bike rides.

Those efforts were part of his full-time contract with the Blues, however 9News reporter Danny Weidler said the former coach was only offered a six-month contract.

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"It's no secret that Brad Fittler wanted a two-year position with the NSWRL. In the end it's my understanding he was virtually offered a part-time job … Around six months to be the NSW coach starting perhaps around February-March and finishing up at the end of Origin," he said.

"That would've meant Fittler couldn't do all the work he liked to do with juniors in pathways for the NSWRL and also throughout the countryside as well."

It was further revealed that Fittler's predecessor Laurie Dailey was set to be part of Fittler's coaching set-up.

Fittler had also approached Phil Gould and reportedly Sydney Roosters assistant Matt King to have them involved after the departures of Danny Buderus, Greg Alexander and Paul McGregor.

Post Fittler's departure, rival Origin coach Billy Slater paid tribute to the work he had done in the role. 

"It was only a few years ago we were sitting back and marveling at what he brings to State of Origin … I actually played in his first year," he told 4BC's Wide World of Sports Radio.

"The way that he united NSW [was great] and he does a lot of work in the community as well so I had a lot of respect for Freddy and obviously I work with him at Channel Nine.

"I think he's done a great job as a player and a coach so he's decided not to go on for whatever reasons and I think he'll be looked upon as one of the greatest contributors to NSW in the future."