Brad Fittler has revealed why he decided to opt out of his pursuit of the vacant Kangaroos job.
With Mal Meninga headed to the Perth Bears, the former NSW Origin coach was among the frontrunners for the role.
Speaking exclusively on Wide World of Sports, Fittler said he wished to focus on his media commitments.
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Brad Fittler looks on during a Prime Minister’s XIII training session. Getty
Fittler said he “agonised” over the decision to withdraw from the race, but felt it was the right call given his other responsibilities.
“There was an opportunity there, I’m very grateful for them thinking about me, but I think just in the situation I’m in at the moment, my commitments to Channel 9, I work for the NRL, I’m really enjoying that,” Fittler told 2GB.
“When the role came about and I just started to think about it and start planning that this is maybe for someone else at the moment.
“It was an incredible opportunity, but I also didn’t think I could do it justice. That’s why I didn’t want to commit to it.
“But what an incredible opportunity for someone. I think it’s someone with a bit of time. They need to get hotels, grounds, training fields, equipment, everything – it’s a big job ahead, but what an awesome experience it is going to be, three Tests over in England.”
Fittler admitted his commitment to the media made his coaching role with the Blues hard to juggle.
“I won’t say I won’t ever do it again in the future. I always found even when I was commentating while I coached the Origin team, it makes it a bit uncomfortable when you’re talking about players and then you have to pick players,” he said.
“I just thought that got a bit muddy at stages and wore on my conscience at times.”
Cameron Smith and Kevin Walters are expected to be among the candidates pursued by the ARL Commission for the Australian role.
Fittler said either man would do a “wonderful job”, and added he is “absolutely not” closing the door on coaching in the future.
Australia play England in an Ashes series at the end of the season.
Fittler coached the Blues to Origin series wins in 2018, 2019, and 2021.
