'He needs to be here': Damien Cook goes into bat for Brad Fittler as NSW coaching call looms
Damien Cook has jumped to defend Blues coach Brad Fittler, saying the NSW coach is not to blame for the side's poor performance in the first two games of the Origin series.
Amid criticism over Blues selection and tactics throughout the 2023 series, Fittler's future at the helm of the Blues is yet to be decided, as his side prepares to play in front of a home crowd in game three.
After winning his first two State of Origin series as coach, Fittler has since gone 1-3 and missed the opportunity to trigger a contract extension with a series win this year.
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With that clause no longer enforceable, Fittler is effectively off contract after next Wednesday's game, giving the NSWRL some hard thinking to do about the best coach to take NSW forward into 2024 and beyond.
Blues coach Brad Fittler and Damien Cook share a laugh during a NSW media opportunity in 2019. Getty
The 51-year-old refused to speak on his future as the coach of the Blues following the 32-6 defeat to the Maroons in Origin II, but he has since declared that he feels he is the best man for the job.
That's a view Damien Cook shares, with the veteran hooker saying the players should be facing the scrutiny, rather than Fittler.
Speaking in Blues camp on Wednesday morning, Cook said the players took responsibility for the results in the first two games of the series, adding that the performances in those games were not a reflection of poor coaching.
He said the team had simply been unable to execute a "simple game plan."
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"When you're in these arenas with all these quality players, we're the ones going out there, we're the ones making plays, making tackles," Cook said.
"For us it has been what we have done on the field, it hasn't been anything to do with the coaching staff.
"We had a very simple game plan… we knew what it was and we couldn't execute it.
"(When) you have got all the quality players in here, it's up to us to sort of nail that. We should be much better, especially at this level. That's the big plan for game three."
Cook told reporters he is confident in Fittler's game plan and is positive the three-time series-winning coach will be retained by the Blues for 2024.
"I think he will be here next year and needs to be (here)", Cook said.
"(Fittler) is really good at keeping the camps relaxed, keeping the camps connected… which is important, especially when you have got new people coming in.
"The way he builds it up through the week when you're ready to go, you're ready to go and run out there and play for him and the state.
"I haven't been involved with a better coach that knows how to build you up for a game and get you ready."
The final game of the series will be played at Accor Stadium on Wednesday, July 12.
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