'Got to be a real intense review': Benny Elias weighs in on Brad Fittler's coaching future
NSW Blues legend Benny Elias has predicted a "not surprising" outcome to Brad Fittler's coaching future after the side's second series loss in a row.
Fittler, whose contract ends at the completion of the 2023 series, is under immense pressure to hold on to the job.
Elias wasn't willing to criticise the former Blues five-eighth completely, but did admit an "intense review" is needed.
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"The good thing I think for NSW is that we still have hope for game three, that's as much as I can say," Elias said on Nine's Today.
"I don't like to speak on Freddy's behalf, I know there's a lot of people putting the knife into Freddy at the moment, he's a good mate of mine, it's very hard to be critical of him.
"I know he gave his heart and soul into his efforts for the NSW coaching role, it's tough stuff but it's got to be a real intense review now from the NSW team and I think the outcome will be ... not surprising."
Brad Fittler during game two of Origin. Getty
The Blues were blown off the park in Origin II, and couldn't have got off to a worst start when star centre Tom Trbojevic left the field inside the first three minutes.
Damien Cook replaced Trbojevic, but went to left centre with Stephen Crichton shifting to the right.
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The Maroons used it as a focal point of attack for the rest of the game.
Elias expressed his shock at NSW's lack of preparation for a Trbojevic injury after the Manly fullback was knocked out in game one.
"Everything just seemed to go wrong for NSW from the get go," he said.
"Tom Trbojevic getting injured so early was a real disaster, however I thought they would've covered that. In the very first game they had Tommy replaced in the first game with 11 minutes to go and unfortunately Nicho was the culprit, who missed a couple of tackles.
"You'd think that game two they've would've been prepared and ready for it but unfortunately the case wasn't to be, and the Queenslanders just absolutely smashed us."
Fittler wasn't willing to discuss interchanges post-match, stating "it's impossible" to cover every position.
When asked on his coaching future, Fittler was blunt.
"We've got another game to go, so I'll worry about that and then we'll see what happens with Troddo (NSWRL chair Dave Trodden) and the board. We'll check it out then," he said.
"I'll just worry about the next game. We've got a couple of weeks and get an opportunity to tidy things up and turn things around and then we can discuss it that."
State of Origin II 2023 in pictures: All the colour of the Blues v Maroons game two
