Outgoing NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler says he has no bad blood towards losing his job at the helm, endorsing successor Michael Maguire for the role.
Fittler quit as coach of the NSW Blues just days after pitching to the NSWRL board in a bid to receive a new contract.
Despite the tension surrounding his exit, Fittler has remained in good spirits as he begins a new job in pathways with the NRL.
RECAP: Wasteful Matildas downed by Canada
RECAP: Pakistan skipper sends warning with stylish ton
READ MORE: 'Intimidatory and misogynistic' allegations rock F1
As for Maguire, Fittler expressed his delight at the new coach, with high hopes he'll be able to steer the Blues back to success.
"I think Madge (Maguire) is a great appointment. I think it showed in those Pacific Championships, what he can do in big games," Fittler said on Wednesday.
"I'm a full supporter of the Blues.
"How they made their decision (on the new coach) is up to them."
When questioned about whether he would like to stay involved with the Blues, Fittler remained coy on if he would reach out in the future.
"I think I'll give Madge and the team some space at the moment. But like I said, I'll be working on the sidelines, I'll be cheering," he said.
Maguire had hoped he would be able to be both New Zealand and the Blues' coach, but that wouldn't be a workable option, according to Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris.
"I couldn't see it as a player. That's my personal opinion. There'd be too much on both sides," Fisher-Harris said.
"Origin is pretty big. I'm pretty sure they'll, for me, they'll (Blues) take most of the energy you know. We'll (New Zealand) be second."
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.