Brad Fittler hasn’t spoken to referee Ashley Klein about his policing of the ruck, instead opting to put the pressure back on his NSW side to win the arm wrestle as State of Origin gets underway.
Fittler was critical of Klein’s officiating in Origin I last year, when the Maroons were able to slow the Blues down and gain valuable rest time.
Klein, who oversaw all three games of last year’s series as well as the NRL grand final, will take charge of Wednesday night’s 2023 Origin opener at Adelaide Oval.
But Fittler avoided souring relations before the first game had even kicked off, hinting it was up to the Blues to decide the tempo at which the game would be played.
“We just want to compete hard,” Fittler said.
“I think it’s 72 per cent of teams who win the first game go on to win the series.
“It’s not the end of the world (to win the opener) but it is pretty convincing.
“It’s important. We want to get out and compete hard, it’s as simple as that.”
Fittler has said during the build-up to Origin I that hooker Api Koroisau has the ability to play off the back foot if Queensland are able to slow down NSW’s star-studded attack.
Fittler will blood two debutants – Tevita Pangai Jr and Hudson Young – in the forwards in a bid to give players including captain James Tedesco the platform to inflict damage on the Maroons.
“Every Origin camp (has) that intensity and intent – you want to go out and put your best performance forward,” Tedesco said.
“As a team, the energy and the connection has been really strong.”
Fittler has a 3-2 record coming into his sixth series.
A victory would ensure he becomes the second-most successful NSW Origin coach behind Phil Gould, who won six series.
Barring Latrell Mitchell’s late withdrawal, the Blues are at full strength and Fittler is aware of the expectation that brings.
“I feel pressure to deliver,” Fittler said.
“We’ve got a good footy team and we want to do really well.
“The impact the players have had on our state over the last six years has been obvious when I’ve been out and about.
“I’ve got to say, the effect the boys have when they play well and don’t give up is incredible.
“While they’re like that I’ll keep going.”
Australian Associated Press