The sight of seven Sydney clubs sitting outside the top eight on the NRL ladder heading into this week’s action has not been lost on NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler.
Fittler has always subscribed to the theory that the Blues success is largely dependent on how the Sydney clubs are performing in the lead-up to State of Origin.
As it stands before the start of round seven, premiers Penrith and the Sydney Roosters are the only Harbour City clubs in the top eight, with Manly (ninth), Souths (10th), Cronulla (11th), the Dragons (12th), Bulldogs (13th), Eels (15th) and Wests Tigers rooted at the bottom.
Another concern for Fittler is the fact Brisbane are out on top with Pat Carrigan, Tom Flegler, Kurt Capewell, Selwyn Cobbo and Reece Walsh – all Queensland Maroons hopes – while the third-placed Storm are being inspired by Harry Grant and Cameron Munster.
It is the worst representation of Sydney clubs after six rounds in at least 20 years.
Fittler told the Herald while it was always a concern to see so many of the city’s teams at the wrong end of the ladder, clubs like Parramatta and Souths had been forced to start the season with a tough draw, and some of the out-of-town clubs given an easier time.
Blues coach Brad Fittler is aware seven Sydney clubs sit outside the top eight on the NRL ladder.Credit: Getty Images
“The draw has been very lop-sided when you consider the likes of Parra and Souths have played top-eight sides from last year every week,” Fittler said.
“The draw hasn’t balanced itself out yet – it’s been fair to some but not fair to others. You can’t read into it too much, but I’m definitely aware of it.
“If Sydney clubs are winning it helps us [the Blues]. It doesn’t mean you will do any better at Origin, but it means you can go into a series confident knowing the players have confidence being at winning clubs.”
Fittler has enjoyed watching the way the Broncos have played, and despite the heavy Maroons influence, was also grateful “a fair few Blues are there contributing” in the form of Payne Haas, Kotoni Staggs and Adam Reynolds.
Proud Queenslander Cameron Munster has been excellent for Melbourne.Credit: Getty Images
“If those three aren’t there, the Broncos aren’t going half as well as they are going,” Fittler said.
The Panthers have dropped two games but sit in second, which is remarkable considering most of their players did not arrive back at training until late January because of an even later finish at the World Cup. At least fullback Dylan Edwards has enjoyed the benefits of a full pre-season.
Api Koroisau is the incumbent NSW No. 9 and his move from the premiers to the Tigers is unlikely to cost him his spot.
Fittler has often been critical of the Tigers for being the one Sydney club that has struggled for too long, and could only shake his head knowing another season was already all but over for the joint venture.
NSW incumbent No. 9 Api Koroisau has tried hard in a winless Wests Tigers side.Credit: Getty Images
“I’ve never been to Tigers training, but just watching them, they have players who make errors at crucial times, and consistently,” Fittler said.
“The best teams get on top of that. The Tigers don’t. It’s a shame because the Tigers are one of those teams who bring a different audience. I have mates who only go to Tigers games. They have a big supporter base. My uncle is a ‘Maggies’ fan.
“When it comes to Api, he’s gone to a different team, and it will take time. We’ve still got five weeks to go.”
From last year’s Origin III line-up, Jacob Saifiti, Daniel Tupou, Sifa Talakai, Angus Crichton and potentially Matt Burton will all have question marks over their spots, with 18th man Jack Wighton expected to be back, along with Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell, while Joseph Suaalii and Nicho Hynes are pushing for debuts.
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