Brad Fittler's telling comments on coaching links after sad family confession over NSW role

Brad Fittler has attempted to shut down links he could be the future coach of a PNG team in the NRL after a successful return on the weekend. Fittler enjoyed a successful return to coaching having helped the Australian Prime Minister XIII to a 42-20 win over the PNG national side in Port Moresby.

Fittler took over the team after his NSW State of Origin exit and handed the likes of Wests Tigers youngster Lachlan Galvin his representative debut. And despite an early setback, the Australian PM XIII finished strongly having piled on the points against a fatigued PNG team.

The game was played in front of an adoring crowd and Fittler was all smiles after his latest foray into coaching. Jason Demetriou took over the spirited PNG team and the two coaches praised the international rugby league game and the players taking part.

And the local reporter wanted to know if Fittler was interested in taking over a PNG NRL team in the future. "They have got one, he did a great job..........and just watching the people coming through at the moment, they are doing a wonderful job," Fittler said after the game referring to current international coach Demetriou.

While Fittler was clear about not taking over the international team, he didn't necessarily shut down future links with the potential of an incoming NRL team. PNG are reportedly favourites to be included as a future team in 2028, which would open up a huge opportunity for new talent to enter the NRL.

Fitter could be a leading candidate for the role if PNG are rewarded with an NRL club. Fittler is passionate about growing the sport in that part of the world, which was part of the reason he took the PM XIII role. Although Fittler has already bemoaned the toll coaching took on his family during his time at NSW.

Brad Fittler hits back at criticism during Origin role

But whether Fittler is interested in any full-time role remains the question. The 52-year-old revealed last year that part of the reason he withdrew from contention for the NSW role was because it was reduced from a full-time gig to a three-month part-time contract.

Fittler would have had to take a significant pay cut to remain in the job, but once it became a three-month gig he lost interest and stepped down. The Roosters and Panthers legend also revealed the toll the job took on his family due to the intense scrutiny and backlash he received.

Fittler finished his Origin campaign with two straight series losses. There was plenty of pressure breing piled on the Roosters legend throughout the final series.

Speaking after leaving the role, Fittler claimed the intense criticism eventually took a toll on his kids and partner. "I've got my methods and strategies [to deal with criticism] in place for this job. I've worked it out, but for the first time, all this talk has affected my partner and my kids," he previously told the Sydney Morning Herald.

The 52-year-old led the Blues for six years, finishing with three series wins and three losses. He lost the final two series he coached after Billy Slater became Queensland mentor, and decided he wouldn't put his hand up for the role in 2024.