EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns backs huge contender to take over Mal Meninga's Kangaroos job
Updated . First published at
Andrew Johns has backed close mate Brad Fittler to take over as Kangaroos coach and believes his "simple" approach would benefit that competition style.
While current coach Mal Meninga has a mortgage on the role, he's not getting any younger and has been in charge of the Australian side for the past eight years.
And with the decision announced earlier this week that Fittler would be in charge of the Prime Minister's XIII squad, we could have the best hint yet at Meninga's successor.
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Speaking on Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour, the rugby league great was quizzed on Fittler's credentials and whether he would be open to the top job.
Brad Fittler during his tenure as NSW coach. Getty
"I could really see him doing that," Johns said.
"Mal has got the job until he decides to finish up, but I could really see Freddy putting his hand up. I could imagine him coaching Australia, he would be good.
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"I think he would love it … Freddy would be great. The players would respond to him, he keeps it simple. In that job, you don't really have to coach them - you just have to manage them and keep everyone happy and motivated.
"It's hard to keep everyone motivated - poor buggers have been going for 11 months."
Fittler had a mixed tenure as NSW Blues coach, winning three State of Origin series in his six years in the role before being replaced by Michael Maguire.
His only other head coaching role came just a few years after he retired from playing, taking over at the Sydney Roosters in a tough two-year stint.
