New South Wales coach Brad Fittler has refused to put his hand up as a contender to coach Canterbury in 2023 after Trent Barrett resigned from his post on Monday.
Fittler was linked to the now available role on Monday by Fox Sports’ James Hooper, who reported that “influential figures at Canterbury-Bankstown are already leading a push” to pursue the Blues coach for next year.
While the report added that Fittler would be an ideal candidate, it’s still a mystery whether he’ll opt to put his hand up for a full-time NRL coaching gig, particularly with his success at state level with NSW.
With the links made between Fittler and the job, he was asked whether he considered himself in the frame to replace Barrett after joining SEN 1170 Breakfast alongside Royce Simmons as the Panthers legend embarked on a 300km charity walk to raise funds for Alzheimer’s.
“I’ll be coaching the Blues in a couple of weeks,” Fittler said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I think I’ll stick to the Blues.
“I’ve got one job at the moment, that’s the walk with Royce and then the next one is to coach the Blues in a couple of weeks.”
While Fittler refused to entertain his chances of landing the role, it is known that he has a close personal relationship with Bulldogs GM of football Phil Gould after the pair spent time together at both the Panthers and Roosters.
Fittler will join Andrew Farrar on Simmons’ charity walk which begins today in the Central NSW town of Gooloogong, with the journey finishing in Penrith on Friday May 27.
To donate or join Royce on his Big Walk follow this link.