Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon has admitted he will “miss” being part of the State of Origin set-up when he takes up the head coaching role at Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks next year.
Fitzgibbon, a True Blue and defensive coach for the Sydney Roosters, has been part of coach Brad Fittler’s staff for the past three years and has two series wins to his credit.
His contribution to this year’s win has been tremendous with the Maroons combined haul of 26 points across three games being their worst ever since 1996.
Fitzgibbon, who announced earlier this year that he would be leaving the Roosters to take on the job at the Sharks from 2022, told Behind Blue Eyes for nswrl.com.au that he had loved his time with the Blues.
“It’s just a privilege and an honour to work with players of this magnitude and ‘Freddy’ (Brad Fittler),” Fitzgibbon added.
“Some of my best friends are in here (the Blues) – Danny Buderus, Mark O’Meley, ‘Brandy’ (Greg Alexander), Hayden Knowles, guys I’ve known for a long period time and been fortunate enough to work with.
“We work (really) hard, it’s not easy, we’ve got a fair bit to get through, but it’s just pure enjoyment as a coach to get the opportunity to work with this crew.
“I’ll miss it. I might knock on Freddy’s door and see if he’s got some bit part role for me to keep hanging in there and keep running off his coattails for a couple of years if possible but it’s going to be very hard next year.”
